Post by kentyeti on Sept 3, 2020 10:03:29 GMT
My views on an issue I knew zero about nearly ten years ago are well known to some. It's based on many thousands of hours on moorland, day and night, with, of course my prime focus on Short-eared Owls, but where it has been impossible not to take in all that is happening around them. Many conversations with lots of those who work on those moors, especially gamekeepers.
There is still a very, very long way to go I fully admit. And until enforcement resources can be found to really target those who are still, and who will still, continue to persecute these wonderful raptors, the sad stories of yet more killings will continue. Undoubtedly involving some of the Harriers fledged this year.
But, what I consider is part of the compromise approach (including some brood management), with moorland owners and workers plus a lot of other organisations, is maybe starting to shine a light, still very feeble yes, at the end of a very long tunnel.
Best Hen Harrier breeding for nearly 20 years
The essence of that report is that Northern England has, it seems, had its best Hen Harrier breeding year for nearly 20 years. A good vole year, yes. And good weather too. 60 chicks from 19 nests in Northern Pennines. Helped to some extent by brood management (mentioned a little more in the Guardian report that I cannot get back to).
I've picked this up from the daily email of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. An organisation I joined and support, when I saw the enormous effort they put in on Langholm Moor grouse moor (along with other organisations), to try and develop a compromise solution.
I wouldn’t have made this post a few months back. But, following the level headed debate that was had on this general subject elsewhere on the forum not long ago, I decided it was worth a try.
There are, and will always be strong views on this subject, mine is based on those thousands of hours of close up moorland observations.
I am also acutely aware that successful prosecutions for the illegal killing of Hen Harriers are virtually zero. So, IMHO, something as to be done to break out from that situation. And to me, compromise amongst all those involved, seems to be the only way forward.
There is still a very, very long way to go I fully admit. And until enforcement resources can be found to really target those who are still, and who will still, continue to persecute these wonderful raptors, the sad stories of yet more killings will continue. Undoubtedly involving some of the Harriers fledged this year.
But, what I consider is part of the compromise approach (including some brood management), with moorland owners and workers plus a lot of other organisations, is maybe starting to shine a light, still very feeble yes, at the end of a very long tunnel.
Best Hen Harrier breeding for nearly 20 years
The essence of that report is that Northern England has, it seems, had its best Hen Harrier breeding year for nearly 20 years. A good vole year, yes. And good weather too. 60 chicks from 19 nests in Northern Pennines. Helped to some extent by brood management (mentioned a little more in the Guardian report that I cannot get back to).
I've picked this up from the daily email of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. An organisation I joined and support, when I saw the enormous effort they put in on Langholm Moor grouse moor (along with other organisations), to try and develop a compromise solution.
I wouldn’t have made this post a few months back. But, following the level headed debate that was had on this general subject elsewhere on the forum not long ago, I decided it was worth a try.
There are, and will always be strong views on this subject, mine is based on those thousands of hours of close up moorland observations.
I am also acutely aware that successful prosecutions for the illegal killing of Hen Harriers are virtually zero. So, IMHO, something as to be done to break out from that situation. And to me, compromise amongst all those involved, seems to be the only way forward.
