Already this year we have seen the disappearance of a ringed hen harrier chick from the Peak District National Park as well as the shooting of a red kite on Saddleworth Moor.
Tim Birch, Head of Living Landscapes at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “This has got to stop. Often, wildlife crimes are not reported so the actual figures are likely to be much higher than those stated. There are laws in place which should protect these special birds but they are being ignored and we must, collectively, be much stronger about raising awareness and ensuring the laws are enforced.”