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Fears for last hen harriers in Peak District
Conservationists fear illegal hunters may have killed off their bid to bring hen harriers to the Peak District.
New RSPB figures released this week revealed no hen harriers bred in the national park this year, despite attempts to encourage the rare birds to nest here.
RSPB conservation director Dr Mark Avery blamed "grouse-shooting interests" for the disappointing figures across the country, especially in ideal habitats like the Peak District.
Dr Avery said: "There is no natural reason why hen harrier numbers are so low.
"If there is no illegal killing, as some grouse-shooting interests would have us believe, then where are the missing birds?"
A pair of hen harriers laid eggs in 2004 and were set to become only the second couple to raise chicks in the Peak District for 130 years, but the female bird suddenly disappeared.
Then another female was seen in the area, but sightings of the bird again ended abruptly.
Dr Avery said: "We want to work with shooting interests to increase hen harrier numbers but moorland owners and managers have to stop pretending illegal killing isn't happening so we can all work together to stop it."
Steve Bloomfield, British Association for Shooting and Conservation regional director, stressed badgers and foxes often targeted harrier nests.
"We totally condemn any illegal killing or cruelty and anyone in our organisation found guilty would be immediately expelled."
Mr Bloomfield encouraged RSPB chiefs to meet gamekeepers to discuss ways of introducing limited numbers of harriers in our area.
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Weather for Matlock
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
