Alliance statement on RSPB withdrawal from Hen Harrier Action Plan

"It is extremely disappointing that the RSPB has chosen to withdraw from the Hen Harrier Joint Recovery Plan – a plan that goes a long way to resolving one of the most divisive issues in upland conservation by securing a future for the hen harrier alongside economically viable driven grouse shooting. The Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan (HHJAP) took years to produce, bringing together key stakeholders who care deeply about the future of the uplands, and uniting them behind a long term strategy. Now, less than seven months after the plan was published by Defra, and having given it no time at all to work, the RSPB has jettisoned it in favour of a policy that is entirely of its own invention, and one that has no support from landowners."

"This retreat from the task of saving the hen harrier appears to have been driven by a disproportionate concern for the views of a small vocal minority on social media. Aligning with these anti-shooting elements will strain the RSPB's relationship with the working countryside and damage its ability to influence beyond the boundaries of its own nature reserves, at a time when there is a need for more, not less, collaboration in tackling raptor persecution. We therefore hope that the RSPB turns from this uncertain path. When bird populations are in decline across the country, it can ill-afford to spend time, effort and money battling with shooting estates that are in fact sanctuaries for many endangered bird species."

"Fortunately, the implementation of the Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan can continue without the RSPB, and whilst we are disappointed at its announcement, we are also grateful that the Hawk & Owl Trust, as a member of the Hen Harrier Joint Recovery Plan, will be able to fill any gap in the expertise that might otherwise have resulted from the RSPB's departure. There has never been any excuse for the illegal killing of birds of prey, and the implementation of the Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan has created a clear way forward for both hen harriers and the rural economy, and it should be given a chance to do just that."