The news that hen harrier breeding numbers in England have broken a new record is cause for celebration (More than 100 hen harriers fledge in England for first time in a century, 26 August). So too are the partnerships that were created to achieve this conservation success story.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is proud to have played its part and congratulates the shooting estates and gamekeepers whose ongoing involvement is fundamental to the success of hen harriers across northern England.
The naysayers must stop blaming the entire shooting community for the illegal persecution of birds of prey. We are committed to tackling all forms of wildlife crime, while working with those who share our vision of sustainable bird of prey populations. Our message is clear on this: come with us.
Gareth Dockerty
Head of uplands, BASC
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