Following Karl Webster's excellent article in the Spring 2015 Fellrunner, here is some more info on how to spot wildlife crime and what to do next. When I go for a run I take a phone with me - good idea for safety anyway. If I see anything dodgy in the Peak or Pennines, a photo records GPS location and I generally send it to RSPB. If you want more info from a runner contact me at [email protected] - it's spring now and we can really help! Bob
All wild birds in the UK and their nests are protected by law. The
amount of protection afforded to wild birds varies depending on whether
the species are listed on various Schedules or Licences. Raptor
persecution, egg collecting, nest destruction and illegal falconry
(the taking of wild birds of prey from the wild) continue to have
devastating impacts on some of our species
If you ever witness a suspected bird crime incident then it is important
to do the following (whilst ensuring it is safe to do so):
- Take a photo. The more the better!
- Make a note of your location as best possible
- Record as much as possible at the time.
Reporting an incident
If you witness a crime then immediately contact the police and ask to
speak to a wildlife crime officer. If you are unsure of the legality of
something and wish to seek further advice then the RSPB has a dedicated
investigations team working alongside police to investigate bird crime.
Please contact the RSPB Investigations team on 01767680551/07595654947
or email [email protected] (please be aware the email inbox is not
always checked over weekends).
If you come across a dead bird of prey in the field and you are unsure
if the incident is suspicious, then contact the RSPB Investigations team
who can arrange a post mortem for the bird to establish the cause of
death.
For further info on birds and the law then please visit
http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofession.../wildbirdslaw/ and
information on other forms of wildlife crime and the law then check
http://birdersagainst.org/