Peak District deal to protect birds of prey ends as illegal killing continues

Agreement between grouse moor managers and conservationists had also aimed to restore populations

Illegal killings of birds of prey have led the Peak District national park to end an agreement between grouse moor managers and bird conservationists aimed at protecting raptors.

The partnership was set up in 2011 and sought to restore bird of prey populations in the park. The rare birds have historically been killed by gamekeepers and others because they predate on grouse populations, which are maintained for shooting.