Renowned BBC presenter and passionate wildlife advocate Chris Packham shared a troubling revelation from his recent time filming Springwatch in the Peak District. During a November appearance on the BatChat podcast, the 64-year-old highlighted a stark absence of birds of prey that left him deeply worried about the area’s environmental health.
“It was great—it’s very picturesque, and the local people were wonderfully hospitable. We enjoyed our time there immensely,” Packham began. Yet despite the beauty of the National Park, one glaring omission caught his attention. “For three weeks, I didn’t see a single Buzzard or Kite flying over.”
Though many other fascinating species like dippers thrived within a small, well-protected zone managed by the National Trust, Packham pointed out that beyond this sanctuary’s borders lies what he called a “Raptor death zone.” This term refers to parts of the UK where illegal persecution and killing of birds of prey continue unchecked. “Outside that tiny protected area, it’s like peering over a fence into a desert,” he said. “That’s truly tragic.”
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Packham laid much of the blame on the grouse shooting industry. Driven grouse shooting, where birds are flushed toward shooters, is deeply controversial and linked to illegal activities harmful to raptor populations. “While fantastic conservation work happens inside the park, just beyond there are those involved in criminal practices supported by this industry,” he lamented.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) echoes this concern, noting that attempts to boost grouse numbers have led to increasingly intensive and sometimes unlawful land management methods. The RSPB has called on the UK government to introduce licensing systems to regulate grouse moor management in England and Wales, following legislative changes in Scotland.
Despite these challenges, there is some positive news for other bird species in the area. The National Trust’s Weather and Wildlife Review praised the successful fledging of pied flycatchers at Chirk Castle in Wales and Longshaw in the Peak District, attributing this to favourable spring weather conditions.
Chris Packham continues to advocate fiercely for wildlife protection, sharing not only his insights on conservation but also personal connections with nature. He recently spoke about how routines with his pet dogs bring comfort and stability to his life, especially since his autism diagnosis in adulthood. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the bittersweet nature of these bonds, reflecting candidly on the pain of losing beloved companions.
As discussions continue around conservation and land management practices, Chris Packham’s observations in the Peak District serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by raptors and the urgent need for stronger protections.