The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an appeal for information about the illegal shooting of a red kite in Newry in April 2024.
The kite, nicknamed Vivienne, was well known in the Mournes. She was found with gunshot injuries on Cullion Road in Newry on 20 April 2024 but was later euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.
“Following an x-ray on April 22, and later confirmation from Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI), it became evident in the x-ray that the bird had been shot, as pellets were embedded in its wing and neck, including a fracture to its humerus.
The Red Kite is a large, protected bird of prey, re-introduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 and is a truly beautiful raptor with distinctive markings, recognised by its fork tail.
This Red Kite, nicknamed ‘Vivienne’ due to its identifying wing-tags brown-pink 6V, was well-known in the area and throughout the Mournes since it was born here back in 2018.
At this time, we are asking for information from the public due to offences falling under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011.
Police take all wildlife crime very seriously and are appealing to anyone who has information about what may have happened to this protected bird to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1229 22/04/24.
If you are aware of anyone in the area intent on harming birds of prey, please contact police.”
Officers from Norfolk Police’s rural crime team are appealing for information after a laser was shone directly into a peregrine’s nest box disturbing the breeding female.
The incident was caught on cctv by the Cromer Peregrine Project although no date has been provided.
[Photos by Cromer Peregrine Project, via Norfolk Police]
Writing on X yesterday, Norfolk Police said this:
We are currently investigating a report of the @CromerPeregrine Peregrines having a laser shone straight into the box disturbing the female making her leave the nest for an extended period of time leaving the chick. This is a criminal offence to disturb any nesting bird.
We are appealing for any information in regards to this matter. These birds are on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Countryside Act and anyone found disturbing these birds could be subject to significant consequences. #CromerPeregrines#BirdsofPrey#OPRandall
If anyone has any information please contact Norfolk Constabulary on Tel 101.
UPDATE 4th June 2024: Man hands himself in over laser disturbance at Peregrine site in Norfolk (here)
The Moorland Association (the lobby group for grouse moor owners in England) has announced the election of a new Chair, James Lambert.
Lambert is a bit of an unknown quantity although seemingly was big in the ice cream world and was High Sheriff of North Yorkshire between 2022/23 so may have some useful connections for some of his grouse moor-owning mates.
He’s less well known as his predecessor was when he became Chair – Mark Cunliffe-Lister, who owns Swinton, the grouse-shooting estate that had been at the centre of numerous police investigations into alleged wildlife crime prior to his appointment at the Moorland Association, including the conviction of one of his gamekeepers, and would have been at the centre of another police investigation more recently had North Yorkshire Police bothered to do its job.
Cunliffe-Lister’s four-year tenure as Moorland Association Chair can be defined by his brazen denial on Radio 4’s Farming Today programme last summer when he claimed, “Clearly, any illegal [hen harrier] persecution is not happening” (see here).
Lambert has small shoes to fill. Let’s see whether he can bring some credibility to the Moorland Association, although don’t hold your breath. The press release announcing his appointment as Chair includes the following statements:
I doubt very much whether Lambert was responsible for writing this greenwashing propaganda but let’s look at the details anyway:
Yes, grouse moors dominate England’s designated SSSIs, which is probably why so many of them are in unfavourable conservation status (see here).
Yes, some grouse moor managers are undertaking peatland restoration but many of them are still burning on deep peat, completely ignoring the new regulations against this practice (see here). In fact two grouse moor owners have been convicted for burning on deep peat in protected areas – one* in the Peak District National Park (here) and the other in Nidderdale, who, embarrassingly, was a Director of…..The Moorland Association (see here)! [*Ed – see update at foot of blog]
Are grouse moors ‘strongholds’ for the hen harrier, short-eared owl, merlin, golden plover, ring ouzel and lapwing? If only the hen harriers weren’t being illegally shot, decapitated, stamped on, having their wings and legs pulled off, trapped etc (here, here and here), the short-eared owls weren’t being shot and stamped into the ground (here, here, here, here and here), the merlins weren’t being caught and killed in indiscriminate traps (here) or having their nest sites shot out (here) or having their nesting habitat burned to a crisp (here and here), the golden plover weren’t being shot for fun (still on the legal quarry list – see here), the ring ouzels weren’t being caught and killed in indiscriminate traps (here) and the lapwings weren’t being used as poisonous bait (here).
*UPDATE 10.24hrs – thanks to blog reader Tom who has pointed out in the comments section that one of the Directors of the company (Dunlin Ltd) prosecuted for burning on deep peat in the Peak District National Park appears to be listed as a new Director of the Moorland Association!!
Prominent gamebird breeder Christopher Hodgson, Director of Ashley Game Farm Ltd in Wembworthy, Chulmleigh, Devon appears to have pleaded guilty to multiple offences including the use of the banned pesticide Carbofuran.
Ashley Game Farm Ltd is an exceptionally large breeding facility that, according to its website, ‘specialises in supplying pheasants and partridges to shoots in the west country and all areas of the UK and Europe‘. It claims to have ‘a hatching capacityfor 410,000 eggs per week along with further investment in a second location atTarrington, Hereford‘ and ‘retains around 80,000 chicks at Ashley Game Farm every week‘.
A multi-agency raid was carried out at Ashley Game Farm in March 2021 (here) following the discovery of a poisoned buzzard and poisoned baits in 2020.
Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police, Natural England, National Wildlife Crime Unit and the RSPB recovered a number of substances during the raid that were then sent for expert analysis.
Multi-agency raid in 2021. Photo by RSPB Investigations
This led to charges being laid against Christopher Hodgson as well as Ashley Game Farm Ltd in relation to the alleged use of Carbofuran and the alleged possession, storage and use of various plant protection, veterinary medicine and rodenticide products without authorisation at the game farm (see here).
Despite being banned for use in the EU for over 20 years, Carbofuran remained the ‘gamekeepers poison of choice’ for the illegal killing of raptors in the UK for many years, although in the last few years it has been overtaken by Bendiocarb.
Hodgson was due to appear in court today but information provided by the North and East Devon Magistrates Court indicates he and Ashley Game Farm Ltd have already pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in July.
Here are the details of the offences provided by the court:
Ashely Game Farm:
On or before 26/03/2021 at Ashley Game Farm Limited, namely stored a plant protection product, namely Rivett MAPP 11300, without a valid authorisation or permission granted in accordance with Retained EU Regulation 1107/2009. Contrary to section 24 and 27 of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
Between 01/10/2020 and 27/03/2021 at Ashley Game Farm Limited, used a plant protection product, namely Carbofuran, in contravention of Article 28 (1) of Retained EU Regs 1107/2009. Contrary to section 24 and 27 of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
On or before 26/03/2021 at Ashley Game Farm Limited, used a Biocidal product, namely Lodi’s Sapphire Grain otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions of its authorisation under Article 22 (1) and the labelling and packaging requirements of Article 69. Contrary to section 24 and 27 of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
On or before 26/03/2021 at Chulmleigh contravened a requirement imposed by a prohibition notice served under section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in that used a Biocidal product, namely Mole Valley Farmers Difenacoum Cut Wheat Rat Bait without authorisation being in force allowing for its use. Contrary to sections 22 and 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
On or before 26/03/2021 at Chulmleigh in the county of Devon possessed an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product, namely possessed an unauthorised veterinary medical product, namely Dimetridazole (DMZ). Contrary to regulations 26(1), 43(r) and 44(1) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.
Christopher Hodgson:
On or before 26/03/2021 being a Director of Ashley Game Farm Limited, a body corporate who had committed an offence, stored a plant protection product, namely Rivett MAPP 11300, without a valid authorisation or permission granted in accordance with Retained EU Regulation 1107/2009 and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance, or attributable to the neglect of Christopher Hodgson. Contrary to section 24 and 27 of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
Between 01/10/2020 and 27/03/2021 being a Director of Ashley Game Farm Limited, a body corporate who had committed an offence, namely used a plant protection product, namely Carbofuran, in contravention of Article 28 (1) of Retained EU Regulation 1107/2009 and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance, or attributable to the neglect of Christopher Hodgson. Contrary to section 24 and 27 of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
Ashley Game Farm Ltd displays the logo of the Game Farmers’ Association on its website:
The Game Farmers’ Association (strapline: ‘representing the UK’s game farmers & promoting high standards‘) is one of the eight organisations in the shooting industry’s umbrella partnership, ‘Aim to Sustain‘, a lobbying campaign group aimed at promoting ‘sustainable and responsible’ game shooting. Presumably Christopher Hodgson and Ashley Game Farm Ltd will be expelled as a result of this criminal conviction.
Hodgson will appear in court in Exeter on 18 July 2024 for sentencing.
Well done to Devon & Cornwall Police, National Wildlife Crime Unit, Natural England and the RSPB’s Investigations Team for excellent partnership-working.
UPDATE 20 July 2024: Poisoned buzzard leads to discovery of multiple pesticide offences – Ashley Game Farm & Director Christopher Hodgson fined £40,000+ (here)
Retired Edradynate Estate head gamekeeper David Campbell, 75, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday accused of the shotgun murder of Brian Low, 65, a retired groundsman also from Edradynate Estate.
Edradynate Estate driveway. Photo by Ruth Tingay
Campbell is accused of murdering Brian Low by shooting him in the neck and body with a shotgun as Mr Low walked his dog on Leafy Lane, Pitilie, on 17 February 2024. According to an article in The Courier (paywalled), prosecutors claim Campbell had ‘previously shown ill-will and malice‘ towards Mr Low.
Campbell is further accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice between 17 February and 24 May 2024 by hiding the alleged murder weapon.
Campbell made no plea during the court hearing and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court again within eight days (this useful blog by Scottish advocate Andrew Crosbie outlines the court procedure for those facing allegations of serious crime such as murder).
As this case is live, comments are turned off until criminal proceedings conclude.
UPDATE 4 June 2024: Retired gamekeeper David Campbell accused of shotgun murder is granted bail – Crown Office appeals Sheriff’s decision (here)
UPDATE 8 June 2024: Former Edradynate Estate gamekeeper & murder suspect David Campbell refused bail (here)
UPDATE 21 March 2025: Murder trial date set for Edradynate Estate ex-gamekeeper David Campbell, accused of shooting former colleague Brian Low in Aberfeldy (here)
Further to the news yesterday that Police Scotland had arrested a 75-year-old man in connection with the murder of Edradynate Estate‘s recently retired groundsman Brian Low in Aberfeldy, Perthshire in February this year (here), Police Scotland has announced this morning that he has now been charged with murder.
David Campbell, 75, is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday 27th May 2024.
Edradynate Estate driveway. Photo by Ruth Tingay
Although this latest development will be of great interest to long-term readers of this blog, as Mr Campbell has now been charged comments will be turned off until legal proceedings have concluded. Thanks for your understanding.
UPDATE 28 May 2024: Retired Edradynate Estate gamekeeper David Campbell appears in court accused of shotgun murder of Brian Low (here)
UPDATE 4 June 2024: Retired gamekeeper David Campbell accused of shotgun murder is granted bail – Crown Office appeals Sheriff’s decision (here)
UPDATE 8 June 2024: Former Edradynate Estate gamekeeper & murder suspect David Campbell refused bail (here)
UPDATE 21 March 2025: Murder trial date set for Edradynate Estate ex-gamekeeper David Campbell, accused of shooting former colleague Brian Low in Aberfeldy (here)
UPDATE 22 November 2025: Pre-trial hearing for ex-gamekeeper accused of shotgun murder of former colleague (here)
Police investigating the murder of former Edradynate Estate groundsman Brian Low, who was shot dead on a remote track near Aberfeldy in February this year, have arrested a 75-year old man.
Edradynate Estate driveway. Photo by Ruth Tingay
Police Scotland has issued the following statement this morning:
DEATH OF BRIAN LOW IN ABERFELDY – MAN ARRESTED
A 75-year-old man has today, Friday, 24 May, 2024, been arrested in connection with the death of Brian Low in Aberfeldy.
Around 8.30am on Saturday, 17 February, 2024, 65-year-old Mr Low’s body was discovered in the Pitllie area on the outskirts of the town. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The arrested man is in custody being questioned by detectives from the Major Investigation Team.
As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.
The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
ENDS
UPDATE 25th May 2024: David Campbell charged with murder of Edradynate Estate’s former groundsman Brian Low (here)
UPDATE 28 May 2024: Retired Edradynate Estate gamekeeper David Campbell appears in court accused of shotgun murder of Brian Low (here)
UPDATE 4 June 2024: Retired gamekeeper David Campbell accused of shotgun murder is granted bail – Crown Office appeals Sheriff’s decision (here)
UPDATE 8 June 2024: Former Edradynate Estate gamekeeper & murder suspect David Campbell refused bail (here)
UPDATE 21 March 2025: Murder trial date set for Edradynate Estate ex-gamekeeper David Campbell, accused of shooting former colleague Brian Low in Aberfeldy (here)
In an unprecedented display of cooperation and union, over 150 organisations will come together in London on Saturday 22 June 2024 under the banner, ‘Restore Nature Now’, calling on cross-party politicians to take action for wildlife, nature and climate.
This will be a legal, peaceful and family-friendly rally, starting with a 1.6 mile march from Park Lane starting at 12 noon, culminating with a rally at Parliament Square at 2.15pm where there’ll be speakers, entertainers and music until closing at 4.30pm.
Thousands of supporters are expected to take part, celebrating nature but calling for urgent political action to address the nature and climate emergencies. All the ‘big’ organisations will be there, as well as many ‘smaller’ ones (see here for list of organisations taking part).
This is a timely opportunity to show prospective politicians from ALL parties that these issues matter to many of us who’ll be heading to the polling stations on 4th July.
For further information about the march and rally, please visit the Restore Nature Now campaign website here.
Earlier this month Police Scotland issued an appeal for information after the discovery of a dead Osprey, believed to be ‘Laddie’, the resident breeding male from the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Reserve in Perthshire (see here).
Webcam footage from the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Reserve in Perthshire where Laddie returned this spring after over-wintering in Africa
The details in the police press release were scant and although the police were clear that criminality had yet to be established, it was widely assumed that a police appeal for information suggested that there was at least a suspicion of criminality. That was a reasonable assumption, I think, given that birds of prey die of natural causes all the time and we don’t see police appeals for information every time a raptor corpse is discovered.
There wasn’t any further information about this case until five days ago when a couple of media outlets (e.g. STV News, here) ran a story stating that the police were no longer treating the death of ‘Laddie’ as a criminal matter, and a police spokesperson was quoted as follows:
“Following initial tests on the bird, no crime has been established at this time. Further tests and a post mortem will take place in due course to gather more information on this death and our enquiries continue“.
It appears from this information that Police Scotland’s appeal for information was premature, to say the least. However, having made some enquiries I’ve now learned that ‘Laddie’ was found with an injury that could have been consistent with him being shot but unfortunately the police issued the appeal for information before ‘Laddie’ had been x-rayed.
I’m loathe to criticise Police Scotland for being too quick to publicise a suspected persecution incident – more often than not, I’m critical of police forces who typically delay appeals for information until weeks/months after a raptor crime has been discovered, when the chance of finding witnesses is seriously diminished.
In this case, I can see why the police issued an early appeal the day after ‘Laddie’s’ body had been found, because there were grounds to suspect he had been shot (i.e. the nature of his injury), but it would have been good practice for them to have waited for the results of the x-ray, which didn’t show any indication that this osprey had been shot.
It’s a fine line for police officers – in this case they got it wrong but they did so with the best of intentions (i.e. to secure potential witnesses) and not to ‘demonise’ the shooting industry, which I’ve seen being claimed by ridiculous conspiracy theorists on certain websites. For example, the police didn’t mention the shooting industry, nor even that they suspected ‘Laddie’ had been shot, and they were very clear that they hadn’t yet established whether he’d been illegally killed. They simply appealed for information. Many members of the public did make the assumption he’d been shot, and again, who can blame them given the track record of the shooting industry over many decades.
The cause of death is still not yet known – ‘Laddie’ has been sent for a post mortem.
UPDATE 21 August 2024: Post mortem confirms osprey ‘Laddie’ died of natural causes (here)
Like most birds in the UK, tawny owls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or capture a bird and also to damage or destroy their nests.
Officers investigating the incident are appealing for information about sightings of anyone with a rifle in the Badsaddle Wood area.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.
Please quote incident number 24000191237 when getting in touch to ensure your information reaches the right person as quickly as possible.
Raptor Persecution UK 