1st November 2017
Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: “Thousands of people who are actively involved in grouse shooting fully wish to see the eradication of all forms of wildlife crime.
“These people are working day in, day out delivering a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits – and this includes the conservation of a wide range of bird species.
“Any incident of bird of prey persecution is unacceptable and the full force of the law should be felt by those breaking it. The statistics in the latest report show that the number of such incidents continues to decline significantly and there has been a very substantial drop in incidents over the last five years. This is what we all want to see.
“Of course more can be done, particularly in the restoration of hen harrier population, and the best way to achieve progress is for people across the sector, including RSPB, to continue to work together constructively.”