Scottish Raptor Study Group helps highlight hen harrier persecution

The Scottish Raptor Study Group has helped to highlight the serious problem of hen harrier persecution on driven grouse moors. At a secret location in Perthshire, BBC Scotland filmed Tayside Raptor Study Group member Wendy Mattingley as she monitored an active hen harrier nest and discussed the impact of illegal killing on this specially-protected species. Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse was also interviewed about the declining hen harrier population and the transcript can be read here. The Scottish Raptor Study Group strongly disagrees with the Minister’s statement that ‘one or two’ estates may be involved in the killing of these birds; there is ample long-term scientific evidence to demonstrate that the problem is far more widespread, particularly in the Eastern Highlands and Southern Uplands.