Shocking News Story today

For many years I think it has been clear that the intentions of those who claim to be best protectors and custodians of wildlife and wild places in Scotland have solely concentrated on their commercial rights at the expense of our native wildlife.

We have heard time after time how raptors have been persecuted, shot, trapped, illegal poisoned, strangely enough all around shooting and game estates.  Funny that!! - except it isn't, in any way shape or form.

There have been test sites where with appropriate management, the Hen Harrier population can live and survive happily alongside grouse moors where appropriate measures are taken (that doesn't include killing them) and strangely enough those managed moors support a greater head of HH population that all the other moors.

This story today that was published on the BBC really just looks a bit like a self admission  and might be deemed as confirming the fears that many who seek to conserve our native wildlife have expressed all along.

Now while the landowners may not wish to cull HH's, I think the records of illegal persecution and the numbers of these wonderful birds that breed probably tells it own story.

I trust that the new Scottish government will look to preserve and conserve its natural heritage and not succumb to considerable commercial pressures, much of it not owned locally.

I have always said that we would stay clear of politics on this blog, and we have done well, but things like this that affect our wildlife deserve to be shared.

Would welcome your views and comments, but a always, please leave a name before we publish.

Thanks

Martin