A proposal has been submitted to fence off part of Champion Moor in Bowland (grid ref. SD750530). The East Lancashire Ornithologists' Club (ELOC) has submitted an objection, one of the main grounds being that the moor is both a hunting ground and roosting site for Hen Harrier. (We would not normally publicise this fact, but needs must). Because of the nature of this proposal, it is being dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol rather than by Ribble Valley Borough Council.

There is to be a public enquiry, date to be announced, and ELOC wishes to be in a position to present as strong a case as possible. I am aware that because of the sensitive nature of this species, records have not always submitted been submitted to ELOC, but these are now urgently required. If any reader should have records* of Hen Harrier using the moor, whether flying over, hunting or roosting, would you please let me have them, either directly to anthony.cooper34@btinternet.com or to The Chairman via the 'Contact Us' feature on the home page of the ELOC website. Historical records will be just as useful as more recent ones.

* definitely to include the date (or at least month and year) and number of birds plus any additional detail such as age/s, sex/es and behaviour.

Thanks in anticipation

Tony Cooper