Stewartry Birdwatchers will hear from Gavin Ross from the National Wildlife Crime Unit at their next meeting

Stewartry Birdwatchers are set to welcome Gavin Ross from the National Wildlife Crime Unit as the guest speaker at their upcoming meeting. The event is scheduled to take place at Balmaclellan Village Hall on Thursday, November 14 at 2.30pm. Ross will shed light on the efforts involved in tracking down and prosecuting criminals engaged in the persecution of birds of prey. The region of Dumfries and Galloway has been identified as one of the most troubling areas in the UK in terms of bird of prey persecution, according to a recent report by the RSPB.

The disheartening report highlighted a staggering 1,529 confirmed incidents of wildlife crime, with a significant portion involving the illegal killing of birds of prey over the past 15 years in the UK. Out of these cases, 400 instances were reported in Scotland alone, with species like golden eagles, goshawks, and hen harriers falling victim to these heinous acts. Even though all birds of prey have been safeguarded by law for the past 43 years under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, the issue of illegal killings persist.

The talk by Gavin Ross seeks to raise awareness about this pressing matter and engage the community in discussions around conservation efforts. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to interact with the speaker and enjoy refreshments during a break. In a previous talk held in October, Larry Griffin addressed the Dumfries and Galloway Wildgoose Festival, providing insights on various goose species and shedding light on the lesser-known greylag goose, an agricultural pest in the region.

The Stewartry Birdwatchers meeting serves as a platform to educate and empower individuals to protect the local bird species and preserve the natural environment for future generations. By coming together and sharing knowledge, the community can work towards combatting wildlife crime and ensuring the safety of vulnerable bird populations.

Insights and Summary:
The article highlights the critical issue of bird of prey persecution in Dumfries and Galloway, emphasising the importance of community engagement and awareness in combatting wildlife crime. By hosting events like the upcoming meeting with Gavin Ross, organisations like the Stewartry Birdwatchers are playing a vital role in advocating for bird conservation and raising awareness about the illegal killing of protected species. It underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in protecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity in local ecosystems.