Outcry at buzzards lured to their deaths
THE YORKSHIRE Dales National Park Authority has expressed dismay after footage showed two buzzards being lured to their deaths on a North Yorkshire grouse moor.
The footage, released by the RSPB investigations team, showed a large eagle owl tethered to a post being used to draw in buzzards, which were then shot by a nearby gunman.
A man was interviewed by police under caution but no prosecution was brought.
Neil Heseltine, Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “This shows a callous disregard for the law and birds of prey that is all too familiar from some within the community. The authority condemns raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and continues to work closely with partners and others to stamp out this crime once and for all.”
THE ANGEL of the North has been turned down for listed status in a decision that has left campaigners “dismayed”.
The structure, by Dewsburyborn Sir Antony Gormley in Gateshead, is visible from the A1 for drivers heading into Tyneside and there are fears that a roadwidening scheme could spoil their views.
The Angel of the North was erected in 1998. The Twentieth Century Society (C20) applied to Historic England to give the 20m structure listed protection but it was swiftly rejected, despite members believing they had a strong case.
The campaigning body said its members were now concerned this could set a precedent for other structures.
Director Catherine Croft said although the Angel of the North was not a building, there was no alternative method to apply for protection.
She said to get listed status, a structure under 30 years old has
to be both outstanding and under threat.
She said Historic England told C20 that a threat to a structure’s setting was not enough to trigger full listing.
Ms Croft said: “We appreciate that with limited staff resources they need to prioritise, but once key views are blocked there is often no going back.
“It’s not just sculptures which are vulnerable in this way, it means that however fantastic a building might be, it won’t be possible to get it listed if a massive new development is proposed right next door.”
A £250m scheme has been approved to ease congestion on the A1, widening a stretch of the road next to the Angel.