Patterns of Persecution

Male hen harrier in moorland grass

If you still in any doubt as to the true horror and scale of birds of prey persecution in the Yorkshire Dales and beyond, then we would encourage a read of the newly published RSPB Patterns of Persecution report 2026 – a species-based study of the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK … Read more

Make your own kestrel kite!

People flying hand crafted kestrel kites

Kestrels are a familiar sight, with their pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge. However, numbers of kestrels have declined since the 1970s, probably as a result of changes in farming, and so it is now included on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List. Alan Poxon, a professional kite maker … Read more

Is this justice for birds of prey?

We have welcomed the conviction of 34-year-old former head gamekeeper Racster Dingwall at York Magistrates Court on Thursday 29 January, following his guilty plea for conspiring to kill a hen harrier on 2 October 2024. According to North Yorkshire Police[1] it is thought to be the first time a charge of encouraging or assisting an offence under the Serious … Read more