Why aren't the RSPB rejoicing at the record low of crimes against birds of prey?

A report from Wildlife and Countryside Link, released this week, covers the topic of national Wildlife Crime and has some extremely positive news for all those who care about or are involved in the protection and future of the UK’s bird of prey population.

One of the notable trends highlighted in the report is ‘a record low of incident reports of crimes against birds of prey since 2017’. Delving into the statistics in the report, which were supplied by the RSPB, we see a record low in both confirmed and reported incidents of raptor persecution in the UK (the data used is correct up to 1 August 2025).

The data presented by Wildlife and Countryside Link with the RSPB highlight the successes that are happening regarding decreases in bird of prey persecution – something which should be applauded. A vast combination of factors have contributed to this; a change in attitude towards the birds more widely, campaigns run by the police surrounding bird of prey, and pressure and combined pressure from various shooting and moorland organisations, highlighting the many spectacular birds of prey we have in the UK and having a total no-tolerance attitude towards bird of prey persecution among their members.

But what is most odd about this whole situation, and the new data, is that no one would know that crimes against birds of prey are at a record low to listen to environmental campaigners and the RSPB, in particular, talk about birds of prey. If bird of prey crime is at a record low – which the data suggests it is – surely this is something to shout about and thus encourage still further, rather than to keep banging the same old drum and suggesting that the world and his dog are out there dedicating their lives to persecuting raptors.

In fact, bird of prey crime is very useful to the RSPB. They used it as an excuse in their (eventually successful) attempt to block the Southern Hen Harrier Reintroductions from going ahead. They also use it as a campaigning and fundraising tool; after all, if bird of prey crime convictions are at a record low, surely the charity don't need any more money to help them tackle it? It's far handier to keep quiet and let the funds keep rolling in.