I am going on holiday tomorrow: travelling with the family by train to the Pyrenees. Lucky me.
Before I go I wanted to do two things.
First, to wish people well for a successful Hen Harrier Day on Sunday. Although I will not be able to join the hundreds of people that plan to participate in the rallies. I do plan to join the thousands of people that I hope take part through social media (so-called 'thunderclap'). This is a great opportunity to highlight the plight of this wonderful species and put a spotlight on illegal killing.
Second, to thank all those that have helped with our hen harrier nest operations this year. Compared to last year’s disastrous breeding season, it has been pleasing to be able to report three successful nests in England.
This could not have happened without the support from volunteers, local raptor workers, and staff from the RSPB and other organisations, who have spent countless hours walking the hills in search of harriers and have diligently reported their hen harrier sightings to the hen harrier hotline, aiding the coordination of efforts by all.
We owe thanks too, to the organisations which have supported this work, which include United Utilities, Natural England (especially for providing satellite tags), the Forestry Commission, the AONBs including Forest Of Bowland AONB, the National Trust, the National Park Authorities, the Police Forces, Northern England Raptor Forum, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the Moorland Association, Defence Estates, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, and finally, the BBC for featuring the hotline on recent Autumn/Winter/Spring-watch programmes.
We also owe a big thanks to the dauntless volunteers and staff who have watched over the Bowland nests night and day in all weathers and the estate’s farming and shooting tenant who funded the diversionary feeding.
I have previously written that it is ridiculous that in 21st century England, we have to mount 24 hour surveillance 7 days a week to protect these nests. But we do - thanks to the tireless efforts of these brilliant people.
All those that take part in Hen Harrier day on Sunday look forward to the day when persecution (and therefore nest protection) is consigned to history and hen harriers can fly freely over the moors of England once more.
And finally, there may be one or two guest appearances on this blog while I am away. I look forward to blogging for nature again later in the month.