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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.

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