RSPB and Moorland Association butt heads over raptor crime on the BBC
- Last updated: 10/01/2025
› Raptor crime was discussed on the BBC4 show Rare Earth with contributions from Mark Thomas, Head of Investigations at the RSPB, and Robert Benson, former Chair of the Moorland Association.
Mr Thomas claimed that “The RSPB are neutral on gamebird shooting,” while calling for grouse moor licensing in England and blaming grouse moor owners for pressuring gamekeepers into committing crimes regarding birds of prey.
Countryfile presenter Tom Heap, who was co-hosting the programme, challenged Mr Thomas on the RSPB’s motives and data presentation for raptor crime, saying: “I’m just wondering, though, if this is really as big a problem as you’re suggesting, or if you’re just inflating it for reasons of getting membership and getting attention because you want an enemy?”
Former Chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation, Lindsay Waddell, told GM: “Those arrayed against shooting seem quite happy to spout all manner of ‘facts’ regarding legal methods of pest control which are far from the fact.
“The sad thing is much of it is taken as the truth by a public who knows no better. All those who engage in shooting should be grateful that at least we still have some semblance of a free press.”