Preying on Birds of Prey

The RSPB knows of 85 confirmed cases of the illegal killing (by shooting, poisoning or trapping) of birds of prey in the UK in 2019 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/01/85-bird-incidents-recorded-last-year-says-rspb-report). Many of the cases recorded in the last 7 years have occurred in 'protected areas' such as national parks. Most of these incidents have happened on or near grouse-shooting moors (particularly in North Yorkshire). So, some of the people operating grouse moors, seem to be involved in illegal activities and are rewarded by being given special dispensation from following the Covid-19-transmission-related 'rule of 6'. Since 2015, 45 tagged Hen harriers have been illegally killed or simply 'disappeared'.