Oh how lovely! The RSPB are running Hen Harrier Safaris in Bowland. Go and watch the fabulous 'skydancers', explore the United Utilities Bowland estate with a local expert, who can reveal the fascinating wildlife and heritage that is hidden within this rugged and spectacular landscape.
While you're there, you might like to ask about the appalling story of persecution behind this little jaunt. Not persecution of the harriers (although goodness knows how they will react to being treated as a fundraising spectacle). No, I'm talking about the persecution of loyal raptor workers who for years have devoted a large chunk of their lives to protecting these special birds.For an insight into the nastiness that's gone on behind the scenes, see the Raptor Politics blog here.
The raptor workers' treatment at the hands of Natural England and the RSPB has been shoddy, to say the least. They've been pushed aside like a golden eagle in the way of a windfarm, in fact.
“Deranged” – PETA • “Super-posh” – The Mirror • "His own worst enemy" – D Barnes Esq • "Barbaric" – Liverpool City Council
6 comments:
I think anyone reading the Raptor Persecution blog will quickly realise why Natural England has decided not to renew licences to monitor schedule 1 birds on Bowland.
The posts read like spoiled,squabbling children arguing over who did what to who. It makes quite pathetic reading.
Unfortunately this public bun fighting gives genuine raptor workers a bad name and is doing a great disservice to them. It is hard enough to build up good relationships with land owners, keepers, factors etc without this public mud slinging charade.
I think that somewhere along the line these people have forgotten about the birds and are more concerned about their inflated egos.
I would also like to make the point that I have tried to post my support of EN's decision and my views on this matter several times on this Raptor Politics blog but have had them all rejected. With this degree of censorship I don't think NWRPG has the support that this blog portrays.
Jock
perhaps you should be more interested in the truth than the self serving rubbish on RP.
I've also tried to post comments on Raptor Politics to counter the lies and misinformation posted by the website and the North West Raptor Protection Group. Even had genuine proof that could have cleared up a couple of their claims once and for all - they would not post any of my comments. Unfortunately, their word is now completely worthless which is a genuine shame. There will be no way in future to distinguish legitimate reports of persecution from their shamelessly fraudulent self-publicity.
Having taken the trouble to read the article published on Raptor Politics I do not think this issue is about ego’s as many comments would have everyone believe. The reason I say this is because these comments follow a trend and are in my opinion simply red-herrings intended to divert attention away from the real issues which have been published.
The fate of the North West Raptor Protection Group and their licenses was sealed simply for acting responsibly and having the courage to highlight some home truths. The second mistake occurred after implicating two RSPB volunteers and the Chairman of the Northern England Raptor Forum in the inappropriate disturbance of a pair of ground nesting peregrines last year. The trio were allegedly observed ringing nestlings causing unwarranted disturbance resulting in the adult falcons being restricted from returning to their nest for a minimum of one hour twenty minutes. When details of this unacceptable behaviour was passed to Natural England it caused tremendous embarrassment resulting in the North West Raptor Group’s immediate expulsion from NERF, ultimately leading to the current conspiracy to silence the group once and for all.
Having taken the trouble to read the article published on Raptor Politics I do not think this issue is about ego’s as many comments would have everyone believe. The reason I say this is because these comments follow a trend and are in my opinion simply red-herrings intended to divert attention away from the real issues which have been published.
The fate of the North West Raptor Protection Group and their licenses was sealed simply for acting responsibly and having the courage to highlight some home truths. The second mistake occurred after implicating two RSPB volunteers and the Chairman of the Northern England Raptor Forum in the inappropriate disturbance of a pair of ground nesting peregrines last year. The trio were allegedly observed ringing nestlings causing unwarranted disturbance resulting in the adult falcons being restricted from returning to their nest for a minimum of one hour twenty minutes. When details of this unacceptable behaviour was passed to Natural England it caused tremendous embarrassment resulting in the North West Raptor Group’s immediate expulsion from NERF, ultimately leading to the current conspiracy to silence the group once and for all.
As a regular reader,and occasional contributer to,the RP site I would be interested to know why you feel that they are being singled out unfairly.I've tried to follow the debates but they invariably seem to raise more questions than they answer.
With regard to the Bowland safari idea,there are many examples where the RSPB or other bodies have successfully organised events,allowing the public to view raptors without causing any disturbance.I can't comment as to whether or not these were profitable to operate or not,but they certainly generate a huge amount of publicity for the species involved.Dean
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