Birdcrime 2015 - a guest blog by Angela Smith MP (Species Champion for Hen Harrier)

The RSPB’s latest report on crimes against wild birds; Birdcrime 2015, goes live today. Although we’ve been publishing yearly reports on illegal killing of wild birds, this year the report is online. I am pleased to welcome Angela Smith MP, and Hen Harrier Species Champion, to give her reflections on the report and what it means for one species in particular - the hen harrier.

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The upland areas in my constituency, Penistone and Stockbridge, are a fantastic place to see some of the wonders that nature provides. From curlew to snipe, golden plover to mountain hare; the uplands are full of sights not to be missed. But there are some species missing. In common with other parts of the UK, many of the glorious birds of prey that should call the upland home are still being unlawfully killed.

Birdcrime 2015

Birdcrime 2015 is the most recent instalment of RSPB’s annual report on illegal killing of wild birds. And the findings are truly shocking.

In 2015, the RSPB received 196 reports of shooting, trapping and destruction of birds of prey. 64 of these were confirmed, including the shooting of 46 birds of prey, and 16 trapping incidents. There were 32 confirmed incidents of wildlife poisoning, including 15 buzzards, four red kites and three peregrine falcons.

Whilst the overall numbers are disheartening, the impact it is having on individual species is devastating. The English uplands have enough habitat for over 300 pairs of hen harriers, but in 2016 only three pairs successfully raised any chicks. The hen harrier is the most threatened bird of prey in England and we are at serious risk losing this species.

For me this loss is personal as I am the Species Champion for the hen harrier. That means it is my privilege and responsibility to be a voice for these beautiful birds in Parliament.

Image courtesy of Tim Melling

 What can be done?

1. Understand the threat

Though shocking, Birdcrime shows only the small proportion of crimes against birds of prey that are actually discovered. There is significant scientific research that shows the serious impact of persecution on hen harriers and other birds of prey. The more recent use of satellite tags on bird of prey, with birds found illegally killed or mysteriously disappearing, raises yet more concerns. In Scotland, work is underway to investigate the fate of missing satellite tagged birds of prey. A similar investigation of the satellite tag data held by Natural England on hen harriers should be considered.

2. Make sure the law works

Birds of prey have been legally protected for decades. But legal status alone is not enough; it must be properly enforced. Regulation must be backed up by effective sanctions, and any reports of illegal activity must be properly investigated.

3. Create an industry that’s fair for all

Historically, grouse moors and the accompanying heather management have shaped our uplands, giving them the tradition and character I see throughout my constituency. The businesses that operate in these areas have helped manage these uplands, providing jobs and recreation to local people.

However, with a worrying number of birds found killed on or near grouse moors and intensive management practices that include damaging burning on deep peat, there are serious questions about future management of the moors. Members of the shooting community who condemn the illegal killing of birds of prey must help by driving up standards in their industry. This could include supporting the government in introducing vicarious liability and a robust system of licensing, improving accountability and transparency.

Responsible landowners have nothing to fear from this and everything to gain; by isolating and effectively dealing with the illegal practice, law abiding estates can gain rightful credibility and trust.  

A feathered future

Birdcrime 2015 makes clear the perilous position some of our raptor populations are in. We simply cannot wait before we deal with this problem. In 2009, the UK Government set Raptor Persecution as one of the national wildlife crime priorities yet serious problems remain. We need better regulation and enforcement to constructively deal with the conflict on our grouse moors.

For the sake of our precious species, we need the UK Government to show leadership and demonstrate their sense of the responsibility that now falls at their feet. No more prevarication; let’s have leadership, determination and a promise that our raptors and our uplands can look forward to better days.