THE chief executive of the Dales national park has said it is ‘embarrassing and humiliating’ that North Yorkshire has once again come out the worst place in the UK for the illegal killing of birds of prey.

David Butterworth has called the persecution of hen harriers, buzzards, red kites and other birds of prey as ‘devastating’ and has called on residents and visitors to be the eyes and ears of the national park.

Last week, the RSPB’s 2020 Birdcrime report revealed that the county was for the seventh year running the worst place in the UK for the illegal killing of birds of prey. Nationally, the figures are at their highest since the report was first put together, 30 years ago.

The charity said much of the persecution is linked directly to driven grouse shooting and has again called for the industry to be regulated.

Of the 137 confirmed incidents in the UK, 26 were in North Yorkshire, and two-thirds says the charity, were directly related to grouse shooting with a further four incidents to other types of shooting. Victims included 16 buzzards, two peregrine falcons, two red kites and one goshawk.

Mr Butterworth said: “This report makes grim reading for all landscape authorities, landowners, managers and other partners who are working hard to call out and tackle illegal raptor persecution, and it’s embarrassing and humiliating to see North Yorkshire yet again topping the league table with the highest number of confirmed incidents.

“As we’ve said before, the continuing issue of bird of prey persecution in North Yorkshire demands maximum exposure, as do the activities of those who take part in this criminality.

“People need to know what is happening here and the devastating impact this is having on our protected species. This report lays that bare."

He added: “The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority condemns raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and, as highlighted in this report, we will continue to work closely with partners and others to stamp out this crime once and for all.

“I would appeal to anyone, local or visitor, who witnesses any suspicious activity while they’re out and about in the countryside, or anyone who is made aware of it through their networks, to contact the Police”.

The RSPB says based on population studies for significant species, it’s believed the true number of raptors killed is far greater, with many crimes going undetected and unreported.

Mark Thomas, its head of investigations, said, “Although we have become used to the illegal killing of birds of prey, the figure for 2020 is truly shocking. We continue to work with police on many joint investigations and are grateful for their support in tackling these awful crimes.

“We are in a climate and nature emergency. All land must be managed legally and sustainably for people and for nature, and not accelerate the worrying loss of UK wildlife we are already experiencing."

Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association said they do not believe the RSPB’s calls for licensing of grouse moors would be effective.

She added: “Instead we agree with Ch Insp Kevin Kelly of the National Wildlife Crime Unit who says the Raptor Persecution Priority Deliver Group which includes organisations committed to tackling this issue is key to addressing the problem. We are wholly committed to sustainable game management supporting net biodiversity gain.

“It should be noted the UK’s bird of prey population is now well in excess of 250,000 adults, the highest level for a hundred years. Anyone with knowledge of rural crime should contact the police. All incidents are intolerable.”

Anyone with any concerns about a possible wildlife crime should call the police on 101. If you witness what you believe is a wildlife crime in action, you should call police on the emergency 999 number.

To speak in confidence about raptor persecution directly with the RSPB, call 0300 9990101.