Conservation organisations are urging the UK government to introduce strict penalties against grouse moors implicated in the illegal killing of birds of prey, following a damning new report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The RSPB’s Bird Crime Report 2023, released this week, sheds light on an extensive 15-year investigation into the illegal persecution of raptors in the UK. The report’s findings have sparked renewed calls for tougher legal action, especially after the release of covert footage showing a suspected illegal killing of a hen harrier—an endangered species—on a grouse moor in northern England.
The footage, which has been described as groundbreaking, captures three camouflaged individuals discussing their targets over walkie-talkies as they position themselves near a known hen harrier roost. The conversation reveals a calculated attempt to avoid detection, with the gunmen expressing concern over a bird carrying a satellite tracking device. Monitored by conservation bodies, these trackers help identify the time and place of a bird’s death, potentially linking it back to specific estates.
“No go, it’s got a box on,” one of the men is overheard saying, referring to the tracking device fitted to the nearby hen harrier.
“Has it? F***in’ hell,” another individual responds, expressing frustration.
“Yeah and they’ll be soon pointing fingers, won’t they, and asking questions like?” the first man continues, acknowledging the scrutiny they might face if the tagged bird were to be killed.
Despite this, the footage reveals harrowing admissions. The men recount how two protected species—a raven and a buzzard—were shot earlier in the day, underscoring the persistence of these illegal practices. As dusk approaches, another hen harrier, untagged, flies into their crosshairs. The men appear to laugh as they confirm the bird’s death, reassured that it did not carry a tracking device.
According to conservationists, this incident highlights the widespread nature of raptor persecution, suggesting that only a fraction of illegal killings are detected. Over the past five years alone, 130 satellite-tagged hen harriers have been confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed, most on or near grouse moors.
Although UK law theoretically protects birds of prey and their nests, enforcement remains weak. Offenders can face up to six months in prison, yet convictions are rare and the illegal killing of raptors on shooting estates continues largely unchecked. The reason, campaigners argue, is simple: birds of prey are seen as threats to game birds such as red grouse, pheasants, and partridges, which are kept for recreational shooting.
In a progressive move, Scotland recently introduced licensing requirements for grouse moors, allowing authorities to revoke a moor’s licence should evidence of wildlife crime emerge. This places accountability on entire estates rather than individuals alone. However, England and Wales have yet to adopt similar legislation, leaving many conservationists frustrated by what they see as inadequate deterrents.
Wild Moors is joining calls by the RSPB and other wildlife organisations for policy-makers to extend Scotland’s licensing model to the rest of the UK.