The possibility of five events, across the North of England, all on Sunday 10 August, to show public outrage at the criminal killing of Hen Harriers, is being explored.
The RSPB supports Hen Harrier Day but other wildlife conservation organisations have kept quiet so far. We are waiting for the county wildlife trusts, individually or much better collectively, to voice their support for speaking out against wildlife crime. And how about the Hawk and Owl Trust? And the National Trust?
It looks a little odd, to say the least, when wildlife conservation organisations need to think long and hard about whether they can encourage people to speak out against the criminal killing of protected wildlife. Well done to the RSPB for being the first, and so far the only, wildlife conservation organisation to support Hen Harrier Day – where are the others? And why the reticence?
There is an event planned, by the North West Raptor Protection Group, for Lancashire: gather on the green at Dunsop Bridge (click here for the details so far). So, let’s hear some support from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust?
Birders Against Wildlife Crime are investigating events in Yorkshire (where there are some local difficulties), Cumbria and Northumberland – as I understand it, planning is most advanced for Northumberland (watch this space at 6pm on Monday evenings and I will pass on any details I am given). Let’s hear you Northumberland, Yorkshire and Cumbria Widlife Trusts!
I am organising the fifth event, in the Peak District National Park.
If you saw Countryfile yesterday evening you will have seen how beautiful the Peak District is. Why not give it a closer look and start your day on 10 August joining others on the patch of grass at the Derwent Dam a short stroll from the Fairholmes Visitor Centre? We have filled in the forms and are waiting for Severn Trent and the Peak District National Park to respond.
All that is planned is a group photograph to attract media attention to publicise our outrage at the fact that Hen Harriers are killed because they eat Red Grouse.
Have your photograph taken with Chris Packham on the 10 August.
There are numerous car parks along the road to the Fairholmes Visitor Centre and a shuttle bus runs from neighbouring villages too (see some photos below). More details nearer the time.
We are expecting a warm welcome. Do we have your support Sheffield Wildlife Trust and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust?
For those thousands who want to speak out for Hen Harriers and other protected wildlife but who cannot attend such an event, we are discussing other ways in which you can show your support through social media on and around the day. You will be able to make your voice heard in some way. Are you joining in Widlife Trusts, National Trust and Hawk and Owl Trust?
And just a word of appreciation and thanks to Anthony Roberts (@ZedAnthony) who designed the beautiful and effective Hen Harrier Day logo – great job Anthony!
NOTE ADDED LATER: Wildlife Trusts confirm their support for Hen Harrier Day.
ANOTHER NOTE ADDED LATER: Hawk and Owl Trust announce its support for Hen Harrier Day (see comment by their Chair on this blog).
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Mark. As your fourth blog of today (crikey!) posted this evening asks a direct question of the Hawk and Owl Trust as to where it stands on your Hen Harrier Day, let me, as Chairman of the H & O T, answer your question. Which is, if the Hen Harrier Day is an opportunity to condemn the killing of hen harriers or other raptors, then the H & OT strongly supports the Day. But if the Hen Harrier Day is linked to your campaign to ban grouse shooting (which the H & O T does not support) then the H & O T does not support your Hen Harrier Day.
Let me quote from three H & O T position statements as published in H & O T leaflets and elsewhere. The first two being direct quotes from H & O T President, Chris Packham.
“The Trust is keen to support the rural economy and if people feel that birds of prey have an economic impact we will work with them to secure a solution which does not involve killing birds of prey “, says Chris.
“Work with farmers and other land managers to improve habitat and provide nest sites for barn owls has demonstrated conclusively the effectiveness of this approach” points out Chris Packham.”
“The Trust also participates in discussion forums and seeks to open meaningful dialogue with other parties interested in the hen harrier, in the hope that a positive future for this magnificent bird of prey can be secured.”
The H & O T believes that the best long term interest for the future of the hen harrier is best served by working constructively with all parties which includes those who own and manage grouse moors.
Philip Merricks MBE
Chairman, Hawk & Owl Trust
Philip (MBE) – I’ll take that, gladly, as a ‘yes’ then.
You are welcome to have a Guest Blog here to spell out the Hawk and Owl Trust’s preferred route to save the Hen Harrier.
This design would make a good t-shirt . . I’m sure I could sell a few
Let us have some t shirts printed with the logo it is great
Landowners and gamekeepers are a law unto themselves and should be made to help repair the damage that they inflicted on Birds of Prey