The RSPB and Severn Trent Water have today expressed their outrage at the ‘wanton destruction’ over the last few days of the nest of one of Britain’s most persecuted raptors. Goshawk eggs, only days from hatching, were found smashed underneath a nest in the Upper Derwent Valley on land managed by Severn Trent Water.
It is the latest in a long line of raptor persecution incidents in the Peak District (see here for a 2006 RSPB report aptly named Peak Malpractice, and here for a 2007 updated report). The last reported incident was the case of gamekeeper Glenn Brown, who was convicted last year after RSPB investigators filmed him using a caged pigeon to lure raptors into a trap on National Trust-owned Howden Moor (see here). This latest incident demonstrates just how ineffective Brown’s sentence was (100 hours community service ‘ain’t gonna deter anybody – sure, he also had to pay costs but do you really think he’ll be paying those from his own pocket?). That this latest attack has happened at all should come as no surprise to anybody.
The RSPB says this now leaves only one known active goshawk nest in the entire Derwent Valley, which previously had held six pairs. The RSPB is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
RSPB press release here
Raptor Persecution UK 
Learning of this makes my blood boil. Until the courts start handing out appropiate sentances wildlife crime will continue unabated. The problem is that too many powerfull people are involved in ‘country sports’.
Another sickening report for all interested in wildlife. Another Two fingers stuck up to the British public and our legal system. Another total lack of respect shown towards the wildlife of our National parks. When Peak Malpractice was produced in 2006 The shooting fraternity stood side by side to condemn it as a publicity stunt by the rspb to increase funds. The persecution has continued, will the shooting fraternity now stand up and condemn those involved or will they carry on supporting them. The national parks authorities describe themselves as “one big family” The following extract is a statement of policy taken directly from the national parks government website
“conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and
promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public. If there’s a conflict between these two purposes, conservation takes priority. “
It will be interesting to see if conservation does take priority or if those involved are allowed to carry on poaching our wildlife at will.