And more campaigning, but a bit more zeal needed

John Armitage’s e-petition on licensing of grouse moors has about 6 weeks to run. In approximately 46 weeks it has achieved a highly commendable 7453 signatures (including my own). John’s aim was to raise the issue of illegal killing of raptors and suggest some ways in which the businesses and individuals caught breaking wildlife law…

Burn, baby, burn

The burning of heather moorlands to create the right conditions for unnaturally high densities of Red Grouse may be harming the aquatic life in the rivers draining such uplands according to a new study. The authors, from Leeds University, studied the aquatic animals in 10 rivers in the north of England – five from burned…

Golden Eagle – Scotland’s National Bird? Aye!

Golden Eagles occur all over the place – the USA, Spain and much of southern Europe and Scandinavia. Now the RSPB has launched a petition asking the Scottish Government to make the Golden Eagle Scotland’s National Bird. Who could disagree with that?  Surely not those who manage grouse moors in eastern and southern Scotland? Vote…

Animal Aid on grouse shooting

Today Animal Aid is calling for public subsidies to be withdrawn from millionaire grouse shooters. In its new report on grouse shooting, Calling the Shots, the UK’s largest animal rights group sets out its case.  It contains extensive reference to the Walshaw Moor affair as well as to persecution of birds of prey and the…