Mystery of Peak Park's lost birds

BIRDS of prey could be lost to the Peak District unless dramatic changes are made, experts have warned.

A review by bird charity RSPB claims in just five years 11 goshawk pairs and four pairs of peregrine falcons have "mysteriously" disappeared from the beautiful rural area.

A new report by an organisation called Peak Malpractice highlights the illegal killing of wildlife in the Peak District, which attracts 22m visitors per year.

It shows that in the North East Peak District - which includes the area above the Holme Valley and Meltham - there have been incidents of nests being attacked, birds with trapping injuries and, most worryingly, evidence of the use of illegal agricultural poisons over the last seven years.

Conservation officer Tim Melling, who is based at the charity's Denby Dale site, said the disappearance of the goshawks and peregrine falcons was serious.

He said: "This is akin to a rural community where families go missing and aren't heard from.

"If it was humans the police would be asking questions."

Mr Melling said the three main threats to birds of prey were egg collectors, illegal falconers and game keepers.

"Egg collectors would not be interested in the eggs of birds like the hen harrier and falconers could not affect badger numbers which we have noticed dropping.

"We are looking for grouse owners to set high standards and don't let their events, which we are not against, be dragged down and tainted with accusations."

Mr Melling said it was difficult to catch anyone actually breaking the law.

He added: "We need the public to be our eyes and ears.

"If anyone sees anything suspicious they should report it to the police."

Mr Melling said the RSPB was also speaking to MPs to try and close legal loopholes - including ones on chemicals which had been used to poison birds.

He added: "We have lost species from parts of the Peak. If it doesn't stop it will spread and they will be lost from across all of it."