This weekend marks the third annual Hen Harrier Day – although such is the growth of this movement that it’s turned in to Hen Harrier Weekend – a time for all of us to stand up against the persecution of this species and send a clear message to the grouse-shooting community that we’re on to them, and we’re not going away.
Here’s a video message from two of the campaign’s most prominent figures (along with a 6ft hen harrier):
There are more Hen Harrier Day events this year than ever before: Two in Northern Ireland, four in Scotland and six in England.
Kicking off tomorrow (Sat 6th August) there are rallies in Co. Antrim, Co. Fermanagh, Perthshire, Yorkshire and London.
On Sunday (7th August) events will take place in Derbyshire, Lancashire, Dorset, Stockton-on-Tees, Cairngorms National Park, Perthshire, Isle of Mull and Isle of Eigg.
Full details of each event can be found on the Hen Harrier Day website here.
These events don’t just happen by themselves. They require a great deal of planning, organisation and hard work. Hats off and a massive thank you to all the organisers of these events, who have been working behind the scenes for months to allow us all to congregate and unite as one strong voice. Well done and thank you also to Birders Against Wildlife Crime (BAWC) who have coordinated and supported these events as well as fundraising and selling HHDay merchandise.
There are three pairs of breeding hen harriers in England this year, in a landscape that could support hundreds. They are missing because they are illegally killed on driven grouse moors. Over 72,000 people have now signed the e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting. If you haven’t already, please sign it HERE.
We’re awaiting the results of this year’s national hen harrier survey in Scotland. What we do know is that there was a 20% decline between the national surveys of 2004 and 2010. We also know that hen harriers are still missing from most driven grouse moors in central, eastern and southern Scotland because they are illegally killed there. Almost 3,000 people have now signed the Scottish petition calling for the licensing of all gamebird hunting. If you haven’t already, please sign it HERE.
Raptor Persecution UK 
6ft Hen Harrier? Are you sure?
That’s what we need, they could eat gamekeepers.
Im working nightshift all weekend so sadly cant make it to any of the events but my best wishes go to all of those involved.
We must keep up the pressure against the criminal and archaic practises used in the name of sport. The mass killing of the 12 August and throughout their season, is only the tip of this criminally sustained activity. Add to that the environmental damage of lead pollution and flooding that is the result of this activity for the rich (who are mindless enough to continue).
Don’t forget the crowd funding for more media coverage:-
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bangrouseshooting/?platform=hootsuite
I can’t attend any of the venues myself but I hope everyone who does has a great day!
Sorry not able to make either Ilkley or Saltholme,our two nearest events, but we are with you in spirit,good luck to all involved.
There is an article in the Guardian, ‘The Glorious Twelfth? Conservationists turn their fire on Scotland’s landowners ‘ the pressure continues…..
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/06/glorious-twelfth-red-kites-hen-hariers#comment-80700049
Given that hen harriers are killed to protect grouse and pheasant, I thought this ‘response’ from Natural England was telling:
My response to their email:
“If pheasants are livestock, why are they shot? Cattle and sheep are livestock. Your role is to protect –not to allow and encourage killing of a protected bird. Read the blurb beneath [this is their strapline] – We are here to secure a healthy natural environment for people to enjoy, where wildlife is protected and England’s traditional landscapes are safeguarded for future generations.”
Best wishes
Harris Keillar
From: Enquiries (NE) [mailto:enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:06 AM
Subject: Issue of Buzzard Licence
Thank you for taking the time to contact Natural England, we have noted your comments.
We recognise that issuing a licence for the control of buzzards to protect livestock may provoke strong feelings and we appreciate your feedback on this matter.
Natural England Enquiries Team – Technical Services
Natural England
County Hall
Spetchley Road
WORCESTER
WR5 2NP
and this was the much more positive response from the Bowland Brewery after the story last week – the beer has arrived!
“Thank you very much for your email!
We don’t currently supply anywhere in Edinburgh unfortunately, however we supply in to Booths, Co-Op and Spar stores all over the North West of England.
Thanks for your support, it is much appreciated! Please feel free to order a case, you can order online at http://www.bowlandbrewery.com/buy-online/ or give me a call in the office, on 01200 443592.”