Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Boyzone

Words

Listen Live Podcasts

Friends of the Dales Launches ‘Eyes on the Skies’ Campaign to Stop Raptor Persecution

Tuesday, 2 December 2025 09:33

Photo: Whitfield Benson

Friends of the Dales has launched a new initiative, Eyes on the Skies, aimed at raising awareness of raptor persecution in the Yorkshire Dales and encouraging efforts to protect vulnerable birds of prey.

The charity notes that, despite decades of legal protection, species such as hen harriers, short-eared owls and red kites continue to suffer illegal shooting, trapping and poisoning within the National Park.

Jonathan Riley, Chair of Trustees at Friends of the Dales, expressed concern that these species remain at risk in areas where wildlife should be safeguarded.

“It is appalling that the hen harrier, one of the UK’s rarest birds, continues to be shot, trapped and poisoned in our National Park, which should be a sanctuary for wildlife,”

As part of the campaign, an online talk will take place on Tuesday 27 January from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, featuring Detective Inspector Mark Harrison of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit.

He will discuss the practical challenges involved in addressing wildlife crime in North Yorkshire and share examples of the work being done to protect threatened species. Attendance is free and spaces can be booked through the Friends of the Dales website.

Further background on the campaign is available on the Friends of the Dales YouTube channel, where conservation expert Kate Jennings outlines the history of bird crime in the region and the role of the RSPB Investigations Team in working alongside police and other agencies.

Those interested in ongoing updates about Eyes on the Skies and related events can sign up for the Friends of the Dales monthly e-newsletter via the organisation’s website.

More from Local news

The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall

A show combining classic cinema with live rock music is coming to Ilkley's King's Hall this Friday (25th September).
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans

Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley

A free community event aimed at raising awareness of dementia and the support available locally is coming to Ilkley next month.
Ilkley restaurant celebrates Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

The Ilkley Cow is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley

More than 60 women in business came together in Ilkley as a Yorkshire networking group celebrated its second anniversary.
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley

Households across Ilkley will soon receive new bins as Bradford Council prepares to introduce separate food waste collections.
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley

A new Climate Café is being held in Ilkley tonight, offering people a space to talk openly about their feelings surrounding climate change and the ecological crisis.
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life

Ilkley restaurant Forde Ilkley has appeared on Channel 5 as part of the latest episode of Our Great Yorkshire Life.
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn

An ambitious project has been launched to restore Ilkley Tarn and transform it into a thriving habitat for wildlife.
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night

Leeds United fans will have the chance to hear from two former Elland Road strikers when Jermaine Beckford and Michael Bridges visit Ilkley later this month.
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment

A major waterpark in North Yorkshire is expected to be sold to a new owner after it was taken over by North Yorkshire Council.
Dacre Son & Hartley team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks for children's charity

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre Son & Hartley has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover

A taste of Bavaria is coming to the Yorkshire Dales next month as the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026

Dates have been announced for the return of Ilkley’s popular Christmas Tree Festival later this year.
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition

Mayfield View has been crowned the overall winner of a floral competition which has seen businesses across Ilkley create colourful wheelbarrow displays.
Pizza company announces new home at Burley in Wharfedale pub

A pizza company is moving its regular Burley-in-Wharfedale pop-up to a new home this weekend.
Sporting legends tee off as Yorkshire Invitational gets underway in Ilkley

A host of sporting legends descended on Ilkley yesterday (Wednesday) as the Yorkshire Invitational got underway.