Way out west

Winter 2012/3 Wildlife Guide

Tony Whitehead — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:24:00 GMT

If you're looking for some great wildlife events over the coming months, check out the new South West wildlife guide ... you can download it as a pdf below ...

Poison ...

Tony Whitehead — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:14:00 GMT

Today, the Environment Audit Committee has published a report on Wildlife Crime. And a fine report it is; one that we warmly welcome - so congratulations to all involved. Our response has been covered by Martin Harper, our Director of Conservation, here and in an RSPB press release here. All good.

One of the issues raised by the report concerns the use of poisons in bird of prey persecution; substances such as carbofuran and aldicarb.

In response to reports this morning on the "banning" of these substances, a little clarity might be useful. Carbofuran, aldicarb and related poisons are restricted under pesticides' legislation. As Defra were quick to point out, in the case of carbofuran it "had its approval for use revoked several years ago and it is therefore illegal to advertise, sell, supply, store or use it or any other substances that have had their approval similarly revoked." But this isn't the whole story.

The RSPB thinks that the Government is missing an opportunity to provide judges and magistrates with the provision to impose custodial sentences for wildlife crimes involving poisons, rather than just financial penalties for breaches of pesticides' legislation, by not listing these substances under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC)

Listing them on NERC is really straight forward. And by thus widening the penalties available, the deterrent will be stronger. It's as simple as that.

This call has now been made loud and clear by the Environment Audit Committee report. This is not about bans - its about deterrents.

So the question to Defra is ... will you list them on the NERC act (and the provision already exists to do this) thereby increase the deterrence? And if not, why not?

Vote for Henry

Tony Whitehead — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:53:53 GMT

Wiltshire’s Henry Edmunds is one of four farmers shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Nature of Farming Award.

Now in its fifth year, the Nature of Farming Award will see four regional finalists face the public vote throughout the summer. The national award is run by the RSPB, supported by Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife, and sponsored by The Telegraph. The shortlisted farmers have strong environmental credentials and manage their farms with bird, plant, mammal and insect populations in mind while running commercially viable businesses.

Last year over 22,000 people were inspired to cast their vote in the awards that eventually crowned Carolyne and Somerset Charrington from Mull King and Queen of wildlife-friendly farming.

Henry, who owns and manages Cholderton Estate, has been shortlisted for his achievements in looking after wildlife and the environment while running a productive arable and sheep farm.

Tracé Williams, speaking for the RSPB in Wiltshire, said: “Cholderton Estate is an impressive example of what it’s possible to achieve for wildlife within a commercial farming system, and shows that conservation needn’t clash with profitability.”

Henry has spent over 30 years balancing modern agriculture and the preservation of the countryside. Hampshire Downs sheep graze the chalk grassland that is alive with flowers and buzzing with insects, including rare bumblebees, moths and butterflies. Corn bunting, lapwing and grey partridge thrive amongst the crops, alongside the diminutive harvest mice and rare arable plants such as cornflower and pheasant’s-eye. This abundance of wildlife sits neatly alongside food production where the harvest delivers a healthy landscape, economy and environment.

Martin Harper, the RSPB’s director of conservation and one of this year’s judges, said: “Across the UK, many farmers are putting passion and dedication into protecting the habitats of all kinds of native wildlife without having an impact on food production or commercial success. “It was a difficult task, but we've managed to choose four fantastic finalists from a record-breaking number of entries. As usual, the standard was exceptional. These farmers have shown themselves to be true guardians of the countryside, not just for the wildlife that shares their land, but also for the people that enjoy it and we should celebrate them all. “With the fate of some of the country’s most threatened flora and fauna in their hands, it’s encouraging to know that many farmers are providing important habitat and food. I’m excited to find out who the public deem to be the best in show this year.”

Dr Martin Warren – Butterfly Conservation Chief Executive and a competition judge, said: "Sensitive farming is vital for the survival of butterflies and moths. These four finalists have shown huge enthusiasm to demonstrate how good farming and wildlife conservation can go hand in hand. The vote will be very close this year."

Victoria Chester, Plantlife International’s Chief Executive, said: "Sustaining livelihoods, securing food sources and growing the natural capital of the farmed environment are three of the biggest challenges facing farmers today. I am therefore delighted that Plantlife has this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those farmers who are demonstrating best practice in all three areas and as a result doing so much for farmland wildlife. Our cornfields, meadows and hedgerows are the arena in which farmers compete and the Nature of Farming Award is the medal ceremony where the 'best in show' gets to shine!"

People are invited to vote online, via The Telegraph by phone, post, or at various country shows. Information on how to vote can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/farmvote and everyone who votes in this year's competition will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury break for two people at Ragdale Hall worth over £500. Votes can be cast until 5 September 2012 and the winner will be announced later that month.

Windfarms

Tony Whitehead — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:57:29 GMT

RSPB received the following via Twitter the other day ...

"#Starlings #RSPB #windfarms - 20K to be killed by windfarm near us. Need to save them - RSPB doing nothing - its a joke!"

To de-code for those of you not familiar with the language of twitter, the person posting this was alleging that the RSPB was doing nothing to save twenty thousand starlings from death by turbine blade. A little detective work ensued and we concluded this was linked to an application for a windfarm at East Youlstone in Devon. Possibly, although it's not entirely clear - with its 140 character limit twitter is not an ideal medium for detailed debate.

Anyway, to the person posting, and anyone else who's interested, I attach the four page letter we wrote to the Planning Inspectorate in March concerning this application and that details our concerns about the proposal.

The RSPB's position on wind farms is very clear. Climate change is the biggest threat to our wildlife. We must do all we can therefore to reduce our dependence of fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions. Renewable energy we believe has an important role to play here. It's not the only option. There's energy conservation at home and work. And there's proper protection for our carbon stores, whether that be in forest or peat. But renewables are important, and this must include wind power - especially here in a country so blessed with this widespread natural resource.

The RSPB therefore starts from a position where we want to help. We give comment on the impact wind farm proposals have on wildlife, particularly birds. We do not comment on the aesthetic impact of such proposals - we have no expertise in this area. Neither do we comment on the economic or engineering issues related to the generation of power from wind, unless this has a bearing on wildlife. Our job is simply to make sure that the impact of any proposal on birds and wildlife is properly assessed and then appropriate action taken to address any issues. On large scemes we are happy to work with a developer to turn what might be a bad proposal into a good one. We did this most recently with a proposal in Dorset, a proposal that was recently granted permission - which we welcome.

However, if what we believe to be a bad proposal cannot be made good, we will maintain an objection and do all we can to either stop development or get appropriate compensation if possible - much in the same way we would with a poor road, airport or housing development.

In short, be it large offshore wind farms such as Atlantic Array in North Devon or Navitus off the coast of Dorset, or smaller on-shore facilities, the RSPB welcomes proposals as a contribution to the fight against climate change, but is keen through working with developers to make sure they are in the right place and designed to mimimise impact on birds and wildlife.

Budget and Habitats and Wild Birds Directives

Tony Whitehead — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:42:47 GMT

For reference, here's what the Budget 2012 report, just published, says about Habitats and Wild Bird Directives

"The Government has also completed a review of the implementation in England of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, to be published on 22 March 2012. Following this review, the Government will reduce unnecessary cost and delay to developers by: setting up a Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit; streamlining guidance; setting clearer standards for evidence; and changing the culture of statutory bodies."

"2.241 Habitats Directive – The Government will reduce the cost, complexity and delay to businesses that the Habitats Directive can impose by preparing streamlined guidance, setting clearer standards for evidence and improving the customer focus of the statutory bodies. The Government will also establish a Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit to engage at an early stage with nationally significant infrastructure projects on potential Habitats Directive issues, ensuring evidence plans are agreed upfront and identifying where imperative reasons of over-riding public interest may apply."

New South West Wildlife Guide

Tony Whitehead — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:24:01 GMT

Pleased to say our brand new South West Wildlife Guide has been published, and can be downloaded here. Its full of all sorts of events for everyone to take part in, and some great suggestions of places to visit. Lots and lots to do over the summer!

Red Tape Challenge

Tony Whitehead — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:09:58 GMT

Last Friday Wildlife Trusts in the West Country and the RSPB spoke together about the importance of putting the environment and wildlife at the heart of the economy in the run up to the budget and in what might be one of the most important weeks for the region’s natural landscapes in many years. We spoke together about the role of vital tried and tested wildlife regulations. However these regulations are now under the spotlight in the Governments review of “Red Tape” and the oft repeated accusation that they are “burdensome for businesses, especially development and construction companies”

Today, the Government has revealed details of its response to the Red Tape Challenge on environmental regulation. Should we be delighted? Should we be concerned? Here’s what Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director said this afternoon:

“I am extremely glad to see that the Government has listened to the wishes of the public who responded overwhelmingly to this process saying environmental protection rules must be maintained.

“More than 15,000 people responded to the RSPB’s call to step up for nature by emailing business secretary Vince Cable highlighting the importance of good environmental regulations.

“We understand the need to come up with smarter regulation and when a set of laws have been written and amended over many years then there is often a need to simplify and streamline them. However we will be watching this process closely to ensure they consult properly and come up with legislation that does the same important job.

“Environmental regulation is vital for ensuring our wildlife and natural habitats are allowed to flourish, our air and water is kept clean and our climate is protected. Regulation is usually the most cost effective means of the Government achieving their environmental objectives.

“We are now entering an era of voluntary initiatives driven primarily by the Government's belief that they are less costly to administer than more stringent, regulated alternatives. We have very little experience of voluntary initiatives in this country and that which we do have generally demonstrates that they are simply not effective.

“We will work with the Government to smarten regulation but we will not allow tried and tested approaches to be replaced by measures which appeal to business but do not deliver the level of protection enshrined in our environmental laws.

“This is not the only announcement we are expecting about environmental regulations. Let’s hope that logic and evidence informs the habitats regulations review which is to be published later this week.”

Next up? The National Planning Policy Framework and the budget on Wednesday and an announcement on the Habitats Regulations review at some point this week. Watch this space...

Big Park Birdwatch

Tony Whitehead — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:05:00 GMT

For years I've been saying when asked "Of course you don't have to have a garden to take part, you can do the Big Garden Birdwatch in your local park". So this year, having recently moved to Newton Abbot in Devon, we decided to try it ourselves, our new home town being blessed with a number of lovely parks. Our choice was Courtney park, opposite the railway station and a "classic" Victorian park if never there was one. It has the set of things that all town parks should have; a bandstand, a fountain, a toilet and a small playground with a number of very safe looking pieces of play equipment that do not include wood and iron rocking horses or witches' hats much beloved of my youth and childhood injuries. The park, naturally, has a number of tall native and non native trees and lots of green grass where people and dogs can and do wander round day and night in all weathers, frequently chasing balls and sticks.

Its not bad for birds too. OK, the foutain's unlikely to harbour egrets (unlike one town park I visited in Townsville, Queensland, years ago), and cirl buntings are unlikely to stray into the flower borders - but its home to quite a wide range of birds that always brighten up my morning stroll to the station or our dog walks.

We chose Sunday morning for our Big Garden (Park) Birdwatch and were quickly notching up the species in our hour. First off were a few blue and great tits, then blackbirds going about their blackbird business alongside the bowling green. As per the rules, we only counted the birds that actually landed, so had to wait a little while to add black headed and herring gulls. Magpie soon followed, but sadly our jays didn't put in an appearance. Song thrush in full song was a bonus but best of all were the two goldcrests feeding happily in one of the park's small conifers. The park nuthatch also showed up late into the hour, calling unseen from high up in one of the evergreen oaks. By the end of the birdwatch we'd seen a respectable 18 bird species. We'd also spotted a bumble bee, which was a little unseasonal but not unknown.

Back at home, we entered our figures on the website, and proudly ticked "park" when prompted for location. And now, when asked, I can say honestly say - you don't have to have a garden to do Big Garden Birdwatch.

Tony Whitehead (Photo courtesy Laura Whitehead)

New Year Resolution: get out and see more!

peter exley — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:37:58 GMT

So how are your New Year resolutions holding up? Four days in, still going strong? For many, there will be the usual suspects... lose weight, get fit, stop smoking. For me, it’s always the same one: get out and see more of nature. I don’t keep lists, but I do write down little snippets about the latest amazing wildlife experience.

Last year was pretty good. Seeing my first ever smooth snake; watching minke whales fishing off Skye; marvelling at the sunflower-yellow neck feathers of a pomarine skua in breeding plumage (how can they be so bright?). And judging by some of the messages, calls and emails we receive, you had some wonderful wildlife experiences too.

So what about this year then? Well here are my top 5 suggestions for starters:

The Dawn Explosion - the dusk aerial spectacle of hundreds of thousands of starlings coming in to roost in the reedbeds of the Avalon Marshes is one of nature’s wonders, but have you ever got up at dawn to watch the same teeming flocks as they leave? For me it’s even better, the sound of the wings and chattering building to a crescendo as the starlings swarm around, before suddenly erupting over your head as the sun rises. Want to see it? Then why not join one of our special “Dawn Explosion” events (see here).

The Wildfowl Spectacular - the sight and sound of massed flocks of ducks and waders is one of winter’s wildlife treasures, whether its the wetlands of the Somerset Levels or the muddy estuaries of the Exe and Poole Harbour. Get the best experience by joining an Exe Avocet cruise or one of our “ducktastic” events at West Sedgemoor.

Daring divers - I could sit for hours watching gannets as they plunge dive for fish. These magnificent seabirds soar before twisting and diving headlong. The brilliant bit is just before they hit the water, when their wings sweep right back (no wonder an old Cornish word for gannet means “spear”). Anywhere along the coast will do, but why not visit our Centre at Land’s End from Easter onwards?

Avian Top Gun - the peregrine falcon, fastest animal on the planet (yes, it’s in the Guinness Book of Records). Supreme predator, yet frequently persecuted, but thanks to remarkable ongoing support from you, surviving well. Watch them at our Symonds Yat and Bath Dates with Nature which start at Easter.

Buzzing Brilliant - the sight, sound and smell of a field of flowers, full of insects. Chalk grassland in summer is a favourite of mine, but why not try our wildflower and sunflower walk at Arne this summer?

But what about you? Nature is amazing - what are you going to get out and see this year?

Peter Exley

A century of protection, and the POISONING goes on...

Tony Whitehead — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:37:15 GMT

Exactly a century ago, the barbaric acts of putting baits laced with deadly poisons out into the countryside to kill wildlife was outlawed [note 1]. Yet despite this, a new report, published today (Thursday 3 November) by the RSPB, shows that this practice remains a major problem for the birds of prey.

Based on these shocking findings, the RSPB is calling on the UK government to outlaw the possession of these poisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government has already put such measures in place.

Bird of prey persecution is a significant area of bird crime found in the UK, and in addition to poisoning, acts of persecution can also include shooting, nest destruction and illegal trapping.

Tony Whitehead, spokesman for the RSPB in the South West Said “The RSPB’s Birdcrime report details deaths from poisoning of buzzards in Somerset and Devon and peregrines in Gloucestershire in 2010. This year we have already seen eight birds of prey killed by poisons including an unprecedented find of four dead goshawks in Devon. Sadly the south west appears to remain a hotspot for this sort of crime.”

The RSPB believes that the number of recorded incidents is way below the actual number and that they are indicative of a much wider problem.

Martin Harper is the Conservation Director of the RSPB. He said: “It has been illegal to poison birds of prey since 1911. But in a bizarre quirk, it is not illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for individuals to possess some of the most deadly poisons, even though they have no legitimate use for them.”

The list of chemicals used to illegally poison birds of prey includes a host of agricultural pesticides, such as Carbofuran, Alphachloralose and Bendiocarb. The poisoner will usually douse the carcass of a pheasant, rabbit or a pigeon with the poison and leave the bait in a place where a bird of prey is likely to find it.

The RSPB is calling for the law to be enacted, which prevents individuals from having named poisons in their possession if they have no legal use for them. The RSPB’s Martin Harper added: “Our report shows there are a number of poisons commonly used to illegally poison wildlife for which those people responsible can have no legitimate use.”

The previous Government accepted in 2006 that it was sensible to make it illegal for unauthorised people to possess these poisons, but despite the law being in place, the Government hasn’t listed the banned pesticides. This is despite the controls being in place in Scotland since 2005, where police find it a very useful tool in the fight against wildlife crime as 10 convictions have already been secured.

Richard Crompton – the Chief Constable for Lincolnshire Police – is the lead on wildlife crime for the Association of Chief Police Officers. Commenting on the issue of the illegal killing of birds of prey, he said: “Of particular concern are those offences that target or involve birds of prey and which affect the conservation status of those birds and it is quite right that the police should consider such offending as a matter of priority.

“The police service is absolutely committed to bringing those who commit wildlife crime to justice.”

The RSPB’s Martin Harper added: “If this Government is serious about tackling illegal persecution of birds of prey, it really needs to start taking meaningful action. Putting additional controls on the possession of these common wildlife poisons would be a relatively easy first step, especially as these controls would not affect legitimate pesticide uses.”

West Country bird of prey death toll rises

Tony Whitehead — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:37:17 GMT

Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following confirmation this week that a young peregrine falcon found dead at a quarry near Buckfastleigh had residues of both carbofuran and aldicarb. These banned pesticides are suspected to have contributed to the bird’s death.

This brings to eight the number of birds of prey killed in poisonings this year in the West Country. In March four goshawks and a buzzard were found dead to the west of Exeter and in July two peregrines were found near St Just in Cornwall.

The bird, a young female peregrine, was found by environmental consultants from URS Scott Wilson at Whitecleaves Quarry near Buckfastleigh on 21 July. Peregrines at this site have been targeted previously, with dead birds found in 2005, 2004 and 1992. On each occasion the birds had been poisoned.

Following the discovery, Natural England‘s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) was notified and began an investigation. The body was sent for analysis and it was confirmed last week that both had residues of the banned substances aldicarb and carbofuran. The latter was also identified in the previous cases this year.

Wildlife conservationists have mounting concern over the presence of these chemicals in the wider countryside.

Ivan Lakin, Natural England’s Wildlife Adviser in Devon said: “Peregrine falcons have suffered from illegal poisoning in Devon for 20 years – often tricked into consuming poisoned ‘live bait.’ The poison which we have seen used in many of these cases was banned more than a decade ago and it can be potentially as dangerous to the public, children and pets as it is to birds of prey.

“We treat such incidents seriously and will continue our work with other agencies under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, with the main objective of stopping illegal persecution and prosecuting people responsible for these senseless crimes.”

Tony Whitehead, spokesperson for the RSPB in the South West said; “I was truly shocked to see the images of the dead bird.

“Peregrines at this site have a long history of persecution. In 2005 a bird was found dead on the body of a pigeon. The pigeon had its wings purposely clipped and it had been doused with poison. In 2004 a peregrine was found dead near to a pigeon spiked with the poison malathion. And in July 1992 a peregrine was found dead alongside another pigeon similarly treated with malathion.

”This has been a truly awful year for birds of prey in the West Country. Whatever the motives of the people that carry out these deliberate acts, we must not forget that they are nothing more than common criminals. They show no regard for these magnificent and much loved birds of prey and also show little regard for the safety of people and their pets walking in the countryside. This needs to be stopped.”

PC Josh Marshall, Wildlife Crime Officer in Devon said: “This strikes a chord with me as I visited the site this year and watched the birds at the site while the female was incubating.

Nationally, bird of prey persecution is continuing to be a major problem, particularly this year in the south west and in Devon. In terms of wildlife crime, we welcome the fact that bird of prey persecution has been identified as a key priority for wildlife crime enforcement. Investigations can be complex and are often initially out of the public eye until analysis results are obtained, then as in the case, we frequently appeal for anyone with information to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone found guilty of an offence against birds of prey can be liable to a fine of up to £5000 (per offence) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

If anyone has information regarding this they can call 101 quoting crime number JA/11/423. Alternatively if members of the public wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact the RSPB on 0845 466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

Latest RSPB South West Wildlife Guide

Tony Whitehead — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:01:45 GMT

The latest wizzy RSPB Wildlife Guide from the sunny south west attached. Events, walks, talks and all manner of wildlife activity from October through to March. With something for everyone, its well worth a look.

We're even doing a film premiere!

Download is about 3Mb

Shock at second bird of prey poisoning in West Country

Tony Whitehead — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are again appealing for information following confirmation this week that two peregrine falcons found dead near St Just had been poisoned with the banned pesticide carbofuran. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

The birds, male and female, were found by a member of the public at midday on 21 July having been seen alive just hours earlier hunting along their cliff side nest.

Following the discovery, Natural England‘s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) were notified and began an investigation. The bodies were sent for analysis and it was confirmed on Tuesday that both had high levels of carbofuran and that this had caused their deaths.

This follows the news last week that four goshawks and one buzzard found dead in Devon in March had similarly been poisoned with the banned pesticide carbofuran.

Dr Elaine Gill, Natural England’s Regulation Team Leader in the South West said: “The use of illegal chemicals like carbofuran poses a significant threat to our wildlife and environment – in this case, causing the needless death of two peregrine falcons after they ate bait laced with poison.

“Peregrines receive special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and poisoning them is an offence, as is the possession or use of carbofuran, which has been banned for more than a decade. We treat such incidents seriously and will continue our work with other enforcement agencies under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme to tackle incidents like this.”

PC Jack Tarr, Wildlife Crime Officer in Cornwall, a keen birdwatcher who’s been involved in monitoring peregrines for 12 years, said; “That these magnificent birds should be killed in this way is truly shocking. This was a pair I’d regularly enjoyed watched myself hunting off the coast at St Just and I know they were popular with many other people who walked the cliffs there. We need to find out who did this and bring them to justice.”

Tony Whitehead, spokesperson for the RSPB in the South West said; “To have confirmed two bird of prey poisonings in as many weeks is unprecedented. We know that Devon and Cornwall have always been a persecution black spots and this year looks as though it might be one of the worst on record.”

“We need to stop this. Whatever drives people to do this, it’s important to understand that killing birds of prey is not only barbaric, it is also against the law. This makes the perpetrators, however they seek to justify their behavior, no more than common criminals and we’d expect them to be treated as such.”

Anyone found guilty of an offence against birds of prey can be liable to a fine of up to £5000 (per offence) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

If anyone has information regarding this they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or telephone 101 quoting crime number AP/11/1922. Alternatively, the public can contact the RSPB on 0845 466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence.

Outrage over poisoning of rare birds of prey in Devon

Tony Whitehead — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:29:00 GMT

Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after four goshawks and one buzzard were found dead in woodland to the west of Exeter. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

The RSPB was informed of the incident by a member of the public and recovered the birds in liaison with the police and the Forestry Commission who own the land.

The birds, that showed no signs of being shot, were sent for toxicological analysis where it was discovered they had been poisoned with the banned pesticide carbofuran. This substance has been identified in a number of other bird of prey poisoning incidents.

In the UK there are only 410 pairs of nesting goshawks. In Devon the most recent surveys suggest no more than 20 pairs breeding in the county.

PC Josh Marshall, Wildlife Crime Officer with Devon and Cornwall Police said: “These four goshawks represent a significant percentage of the Devon population and it’s a huge setback for what is a magnificent bird. This is the worst single incident I’ve dealt with since becoming Wildlife Crime Officer.”

All birds of prey are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, goshawks are specially protected and listed under Schedule 1 of the Act.

RSPB Investigations Officer Mark Thomas said: “This is truly shocking. To find just one dead goshawk in these circumstances is dreadful, but to find four and a buzzard is unprecedented, especially when you consider that they have been deliberately lured to their deaths.

“We hope that the reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

The birds were found on Forestry Commission land. Ian Parsons, Forestry Commission ranger for the area, said; “The people that do this to our wildlife not only deprive people of the chance to see these rare birds but they also put the public at risk. The poison involved is lethal to dogs and humans and the land where this happened is open to the public. These people obviously don't care about the dangers of doing this."

If members of the public have information about this crime they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email PC Josh Marshall directly on Joshua.MARSHALL2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk . This will be handled in strictest confidence.

PC Josh Marshall: “We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears in wildlife crimes such as this so if anyone knows anything about this, please get in touch.”

Feeding frenzy off Cornish coast

Tony Whitehead — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:54:00 GMT

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Last week we worked with the National Oceanography Centre and Seawatch SW to publisise an amazing congregation of Manx shearwater, gannets and other seabirds off the Cornish coast. The video above by Russell Wynn from SeaWatch SW was posted by Birdguides and gives a flavour of what must have been an exciting time to be seawatching at Gwennap Head. Here's the press release that describes the excitement:

Marine scientists from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, have witnessed a remarkable feeding frenzy of seabirds and dolphins off the Land’s End peninsula in southwest Cornwall.

The observations were made as part of the SeaWatch SW project This involves continuous dawn-to-dusk monitoring of all marine wildlife from Gwennap Head at the southwest tip of the UK mainland. The project is now in its fifth year, but this is the first time during the survey that such a large gathering of animals has been recorded feeding in the area.

Project co-ordinator, Dr Russell Wynn, was on duty at the watchpoint for the first 17 days of the survey from 15-31 July.

Russell said: “the number of seabirds and marine mammals involved was staggering. In a single hour we counted over 10,000 Manx shearwaters passing the watchpoint, with several thousand feeding offshore accompanied by hundreds of plunge-diving gannets”.

A total of 250 Balearic shearwater sightings were also recorded at Gwennap Head in July, which represents up to 1% of the World population of this Critically Endangered seabird and highlights the increasing importance of southwest waters for this species.

The seabird flock was joined by hundreds of common dolphins, tens of harbour porpoises and small numbers of minke whales and risso’s dolphins. The survey team are now combining their visual observations with detailed seafloor maps and tidal flow measurements to investigate why these feeding frenzies are concentrated in certain areas. They are also collecting acoustic records of the dolphins and porpoises, which will enable them to assess nocturnal activity.

Dr Wynn added: “to see all these animals pursuing mackerel and smaller baitfish in such a small area was spectacular. The different types of data we have collected will now help us to assess how tide and topography influence the location of these foraging hotspots”.

However, a recent incident has highlighted the vulnerability of these large feeding aggregations to oil spills. On 3 August, a 9000-ton container ship ran aground just offshore of the rocky coast a few miles north of Gwennap Head.

Helen Booker, Senior Conservation Officer at RSPB said: "this near-miss highlights the continuing threat from pollution to our internationally important seabird populations in the western English Channel, which is one of the busiest shipping highways in the World. Luckily there was no leakage of oil during this latest incident, otherwise with such large numbers of feeding seabirds and cetaceans in the area we could have been facing an environmental catastrophe".

The RSPB has also this week expressed concern about the UK Government’s potential failure to recognise seabirds as important features in the designation of marine protected areas.

Tony Whitehead, Public Affairs Officer for the RSPB in the south west said: “Finding Sanctuary have led talks over the past two years on the identification of important marine areas. The place where these huge flocks of seabirds have been feeding has been much discussed.

“However, we are worried that the UK government may not include the needs of mobile species such as seabirds in the designation of sites. This fails these wonderful creatures and we are strongly urging the UK government to include them.”

The SeaWatch SW project involves intensive monitoring of seabirds, marine mammals, basking sharks and other marine life off southwest UK between 2007 and 2011. The project is run by scientific researchers supported by a large number of volunteer observers, and is being undertaken in partnership with RSPB and several other conservation organisations. Daily sightings from the Gwennap Head watchpoint can be viewed on the SeaWatch SW website: http://www.seawatch-sw.org