Britain’s Protected Birds of Prey Still Being Shot, Trapped and Poisoned, Says RSPB

Britain s protected birds of prey – Despite decades of legal protections, several of Britain’s most endangered raptor species continue to face unlawful harm, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). A report set to be released on Wednesday reveals 921 confirmed attacks between 2015 and 2024, with over half occurring on or near land managed for game shooting. The findings highlight a persistent issue in the conservation of these birds, even as their populations have been protected by law for years.

Economic Motives Behind the Killings

Mark Thomas, head of the RSPB’s investigations unit, stated that the deliberate killing of these birds is “about money.” He explained that predators such as eagles, red kites, and hen harriers are targeted to prevent them from preying on young pheasants, partridges, or grouse. This practice, he argued, allows land managers to preserve more game birds for shooting, which in turn increases revenue for estate owners. The RSPB emphasizes that these attacks are not random but are part of a strategy to protect commercial interests in upland game hunting.

“The killings are driven by financial motives, with birds of prey being targeted to safeguard the game bird populations that generate income for the shooting industry,” said Mark Thomas.

The report underscores that while the practice is not universal, it remains a significant concern within the sector. According to the RSPB, the focus of these attacks often aligns with areas where gamebird shooting is most active. However, the charity’s investigations team notes that the data reflects a pattern of ongoing harm, even as legal frameworks have been in place to deter such activities.

Shooting Sector’s Defense

Gamebird shooting organizations have strongly contested the claim that persecution is widespread. They assert that the actions described in the RSPB report are carried out by a small minority of individuals within the industry and that such behavior is condemned by the majority. Representatives of the sector argue that the practice of shooting birds of prey is a necessary part of managing wildlife populations, rather than a form of deliberate harm.

Yet, the RSPB maintains that the current legal system is insufficient to address the scale of the issue. The charity advocates for licensing gamebird shooting in England and Wales, similar to the model already in place for red grouse shooting in Scotland. Licensing, they suggest, would allow for stricter accountability and penalties, including the suspension or withdrawal of permits based on the civil standard of proof, even when criminal charges are challenging to secure.

Evidence and Investigations

The RSPB’s investigations unit, composed of former police officers and ornithologists, relies on forensic, eyewitness, and video evidence to confirm attacks on protected species. This approach has led to notable successes this year, including three convictions tied to the use of live-capture traps. In two cases, birds were beaten to death after being caught in traps, while the third involved covert surveillance at a hen harrier roost in the Yorkshire Dales.

“Our investigators have secured three convictions this year, including cases where birds were beaten after being trapped, and one where a planned attack on a hen harrier was captured on camera,” stated the RSPB.

Hidden-camera footage and audio recordings played a crucial role in these convictions. For instance, in one case, head gamekeeper Racster Dingwall was filmed arriving at a hen harrier roost with a shotgun. The audio captured his discussion of targeting other protected birds and whether a harrier might be tagged to track its movements. Dingwall later admitted to offenses related to the attempt to kill a protected hen harrier and was fined £1,520.

Government and Industry Stance

While the RSPB pushes for licensing, the government has not yet endorsed the proposal. A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) told the BBC that many estates already adhere to high environmental standards and that the goal is to ensure all estates achieve these benchmarks. However, the RSPB contends that criminal prosecutions alone are not enough to address the root causes of the problem.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has also weighed in, opposing the licensing plan. Dr. Marnie Lovejoy, a BASC representative, argued that the sector’s contributions to conservation are often overlooked. She stated that licensing would add an extra layer of regulation to activities already covered by existing laws, potentially burdening responsible estates and hindering conservation efforts.

“Licensing would penalize estates that operate responsibly and risk complicating the conservation work that is vital to the sector’s success,” said Dr. Marnie Lovejoy.

Despite the controversy, the shooting industry highlights its role in nature recovery. BASC estimates that the sector invests approximately £500 million annually into conservation initiatives, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs and 14 million workdays. This funding supports habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and other environmental projects across upland areas.

Broader Implications and Future Measures

Professor Davy McCracken, an expert in upland management from Scotland’s Rural College, acknowledged the economic tensions driving the conflict. He noted that the struggle between preserving birds of prey and managing land for grouse shooting is fundamentally rooted in financial incentives. While he agrees that a minority of game-shooting stakeholders engage in persecution, he warned that focusing solely on these individuals could overshadow the broader conservation efforts within the industry.

The RSPB’s findings suggest that the issue extends beyond isolated incidents, indicating a systemic challenge. Even as recorded attacks have declined in recent years, the charity argues that legal action must be accompanied by structural reforms. The proposed licensing system aims to create a framework where estates are held accountable for the harm they cause to protected species, ensuring that conservation becomes a core part of their operations.

As the debate continues, the government has pledged to work with the shooting sector and other stakeholders to explore wider measures, including licensing. This collaboration may lead to new strategies that balance economic interests with the need to protect Britain’s avian biodiversity. For now, the RSPB remains committed to its campaign, emphasizing that the survival of these birds depends on stronger safeguards and greater oversight.

Data visualisation by Erwan Rivault and Becky Dale. Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC’s Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here.