Sir, – In response to Mr Blackmore, ("Flights of Fancy', D&S letters November) – whose letter appears to be part of the recent campaign by the shooting community against the RSPB – I would suggest that the RSPB has been far too timid in its approach to the private pleasures of vested interests involved in the minority pursuit of grouse shooting.

The RSPB has been in dialogue with the shooting community for 20 years but needs to grasp the nettle and be in favour of a ban on driven grouse shooting in England. At the very least it should call for the introduction of vicarious liability to make employers and their managers accountable for the actions of their gamekeepers with regard to illegal shooting and use of pesticides.

Shooting interests have persecuted birds of prey and the hen harrier, despite legal protection for the past 60 years, is almost extinct as a breeding bird in England despite the availability of habitat that could support 300 pairs.

The RSPB birdcrime report 2013 also showed that 30 buzzards 20 red kites, a golden eagle and white-tailed eagle were illegally poisoned last year and 37 other birds of prey shot, including two hen harriers.

I would therefore urge readers to do their own research into wildlife crime. I believe that North Yorkshire is a particular hotspot . A good starting point is the RSPB website but for a more in-depth look at crime against birds of prey , visit the Raptor Preservation Scotland website (which also covers the rest of the UK). Please also sign the e-petition organised by Mark Avery, ex Head of Conservation at the RSPB, asking the government to ban driven grouse shooting and so protect our wildlife heritage for all.

ALLAN HUNTON (RSPB Member)

Ormesby Crescent, Northallerton.