History of Forest of Bowland raptors
Peregrine Falcons first came to Bowland in 1973 with a maximum of 18 pairs in 2010. Since then numbers have fallen fast with 1 pair in 2017. Short eared Owls are another species heavily persecuted on the moors along with Buzzards and Ravens. When asking for numbers of Short eared Owls from United Utilities land in 2017 when a vole eruption was found [RSPB Geltsdale had a record 27 pairs] I was informed that they had been all shot!
Wildlife Tourism is the fastest growing form of tourism in the UK and Bowland could have a great potential if raptors were not continually removed. With other habitats as well as moorland included ancient woodland, reservoirs, river valleys and conifer plantations there could be a wide variety of wildlife for tourists to come and see making new jobs in this growing industry.