There have been previous signs that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is ashamed of its deserved reputation as being a raptor persecution hotspot – and wants to do what it can to highlight the issue and move people towards a solution. This is in stark contrast with the inspid response of the Peak District National Park to similar issues.
The Park has just published an evidence review of the status of raptors in the Park and of persecution incidents. It is a powerful read – see here – but we await news from Amanda’s kitchen window.
Here are some highlights (actually lowlights):
Hen Harrier:
Assessment summary – despite large areas of potentially suitable breeding habitat, there have been no successful breeding attempts since 2007. Outside the breeding season a significant number of satellite tagged birds have gone missing in the National Park, contributing to poor winter survival that is constraining the hen harrier population.
Red Kite:
Assessment summary – there are currently no breeding records within the National Park with the spread of red kite into the area restricted by illegal persecution along the south eastern boundary.
Short-eared Owl:
Assessment summary – although there is a no comprehensive monitoring programme, the low number of casual records suggests that the breeding population is below the natural carrying capacity of the area.
Peregrine:
Assessment summary – the population remains relatively stable due to the continued occupancy of, and breeding success at sites away from grouse moors. The population is being limited by the number of traditional nesting territories primarily on or adjacent to grouse moors that are no longer occupied.
This blog appreciates that the YDNP has a mountain to climb on this issue given the lack of engagement of some local residents eg see here but all credit to them for highlighting the issues.
Meanwhile, the more signatures for gavin Gamble’s e-petition to ban driven grosue shooting, the better. Please sign here. If you sign very soon, it will be you who takes it over 36,000 signatures.
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Even if there is not a lot the NPA can do directly itself the message this honest, forthright appraisal sends is clear. In contrast to the goings on in the Peak District – the moral force of the NPA coming out quite clearly that this is a serious issue, and is damaging the reputation of the NP, is hugely important.
Well done YDNP for acknowledging that illegal persecution of birds of prey is a serious problem in the National Park in & around grouse moors.
Unlike the PDNPA who have tried their best to cover up the rife persecution of raptors on the Dark Peak grouse moors. Dispicable cowards.