Natural England

6 November 2007

The Norfolk Crown Prosecution Service has issued a statement that it has advised Norfolk Police there is insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone over the shooting of two hen harrier birds, a protected species, at Sandringham on 24 October 2007.

In response, Sir Martin Doughty, Natural England's Chair said: "We are disappointed that the Crown Prosecution Service was unable to bring a prosecution in this case due to insufficient evidence. Every year hen harriers are killed illegally, particularly in northern England, but successful prosecutions are incredibly rare.

"Natural England will re-double its efforts to build a future for this rare and beautiful bird of prey. Our Hen Harrier Recovery Project has brought all the significant players together to tackle this difficult conservation and land management issue.

"We want to try and find ways to bring back hen harriers while having viable countryside pursuits. Until we can do this, illegal human persecution will remain the greatest threat to their future."

ENDS

Notes for editors:

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