This is a critical time for helping end the illegal killing of birds of prey, and for reducing fires on our precious peatlands and thereby to help Scotland address the nature and climate crisis.
Background
The illegal killing of birds of prey was once described by Scotland’s first First Minister the late Donald Dewar MSP as “a national disgrace”. Over many years we have seen birds of prey shot, poisoned and many have simply disappeared - presumed illegally killed - on Scotland’s grouse moors. Now the Scottish Government is taking welcome action to address this significant conservation problem.
The Scottish Parliament is expected to debate and vote on the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill in late November 2023.
The bill’s proposals include measures to licence grouse moors. A licensing scheme could result in the loss of the right to shoot grouse and this threat should act as a meaningful deterrent to prevent crimes such as bird of prey killings.
Similarly, the Bill aims to create a licensing scheme for muirburn as the current legislation and Code of Practice are ineffective at preventing bad practice in what is a high-risk land management activity. Anybody who undertakes muirburn should be suitably trained to reduce wildfire risk.
Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and we are in a climate crisis. There is simply no place for the illegal killing of birds of prey and appropriate safeguards are now needed for the setting of fires in the countryside and the better protection of peatland carbon stores in the context of climate change.
With your help, we can ensure the Bill moves a step closer to becoming law.
Rosie Dutton
How you can help
Everyone has eight MSPs who represent them – one constituency, and seven regional. You can find yours by postcode here. Writing to your MSPs ahead of the vote will show them these issues matter. Below we have suggested points you might like to make, and questions you might like to ask. Make sure to include your full postal address when emailing your MSP so they know you're part of their constituency or region. If you wish to share the responses you receive, please contact us at campaigns.scotland@rspb.org.uk.
You could also ask your MSPs for a meeting to discuss these issues or attend a constituent surgery if they are holding one near you soon. It will help to show them how strongly the Scottish public feel about wildlife crime and peatland protection. We’d love to know how you get on. Do drop us a line at the email address above.
You might also wish to write a letter to your local newspapers to raise awareness of these issues. Below we have suggested some key points to include.
You could also help raise awareness via social media. Here is some suggested wording for your own posts, and keep an eye on the RSPB Scotland Twitter account over the next few months for content to share.
"I’m standing with @RSPBScotland and calling for my MSP to vote in favour of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, protecting our precious peatlands and the species which call them home.
Thank you.
Main Image: Red Kites in flight. Norman Norris
Please find the templates for emails to your MSPs and local newspapers here:
Interesting and informative. This is a great idea, and I support it. Protecting this bird species is crucial for the survival of all birds. A significant deterrent against crimes like the shooting of birds of prey is the licensing of grouse farms Drive Mad.