THE boss of a North Yorkshire National Park Authority says the RSPB's latest report into bird crime makes for 'grim reading'.

The charity's 2020 Birdcrime report, published this week, placed North Yorkshire as the UK's worst place for raptor persecution for the seventh year running.

Read more: North Yorkshire worst for birdcrime..again

And the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority chief executive David Butterworth said it was a sad reflection on the county.

He said: “This report makes grim reading for all landscape authorities, landowners, managers and other partners who are working hard to call out and tackle illegal raptor persecution, and it’s embarrassing and humiliating to see North Yorkshire yet again topping the league table with the highest number of confirmed incidents."

“As we’ve said before, the continuing issue of bird of prey persecution in North Yorkshire demands maximum exposure, as do the activities of those who take part in this criminality.

"People need to know what is happening here and the devastating impact this is having on our protected species.

"This report lays that bare. 

"The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority condemns raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and, as highlighted in this report, we will continue to work closely with partners and others to stamp out this crime once and for all. 

“I would appeal to anyone, local or visitor, who witnesses any suspicious activity while they’re out and about in the countryside, or anyone who is made aware of it through their networks, to contact the police."

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