Wildlife Will Pay High Price For Criminal Acts

As gamekeepers join firefighters to tackle blazes caused by discarded BBQs, tampering with legal traps has devastating effect on wild birds

- Matt Cross

The relaxation of lockdown has brought the predicted wave of fires, litter and antisocial behaviour, with vandals targeting traps at a number of locations across the UK.

Problems in the Yorkshire Dales began with illegal off-roading, with vegetation damaged, tracks ruined and gates smashed. In the Peak District, keepers were forced to tackle yet more fires. The gamekeeping team at Moscar Estate — who have been the subject of a campaign of harassment by animal rights activists — joined four fire crews in handling a blaze on land owned by Sheffield Council. The fire was believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.