By Meg Jorsh and Sarah Newstead

Last updated at 12:10, Tuesday, 29 July 2008

CUMBRIA is a blackspot for crimes against birds of prey, according to a new report.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Recorded cases soared in the RSPB’s annual bird crime report.

Sixteen reports of incidents including trapping and shooting buzzards and the shooting of hen harriers were reported in the county during 2007.

RSPB spokesman David Hirst said: “There is still a minority of people in the Pennines who think they can take the law into their own hands. They seem to be living in a different century.”

Bird poisonings have also been recorded, posing a risk to other wildlife and children. He added that culprits were often involved in rearing grouse and pheasants.

“A lot of these crimes go on in isolated areas, so they don’t get reported. We need anyone who sees something suspicious to get in touch with the police or the RSPB.”

Birds of prey are a valuable asset, with a breeding pair of ospreys at Keswick bringing £2m into the local economy.

He added: “We’ve had about 50,000 visitors so far this year to see these birds.

“Hen harriers would be just as popular if there were more about for people to see.”

The report comes just a few months after a golden eagle died near Penrith, part of only one pair remaining in England. Another of the rare birds was found poisoned last August in the Scottish Borders.

Nationally, the RSPB reveals 262 reports of incidents of illegal shooting, trapping and nest destruction last year compared with 185 reports in 2006.

RSPB head of investigations Ian West said: “The public’s help will continue to be vital if we are to identify where the problems are and try to do something about it.”

He urged the Government to make it clear to police forces that wildlife crime needed to be given a higher priority.

The RSPB is also asking members of the public who care about our birds of prey to pledge their support for an end to illegal killing at www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey.

MJorsh@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:44, Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk