CUMBRIA is one of the worst counties in the UK for bird of prey persecution, says the RSPB.

Three tawny owls, a peregrine falcon and two buzzards are just six of the 11 birds of prey killed by poison and other means in Cumbria in 2015.

But the RSPB has warned these figures represent only a fraction of the illegal persecution of birds of prey, with many incidents going undetected and unreported.

The RSPB's Birdcrime 2015 document reveals 196 reports of shooting and destruction of birds of prey across the UK, including the confirmed shooting of 16 buzzards, 11 peregrines, three red kites, one red-footed falcon and one hen harrier.

In Cumbria there were five confirmed incidents against raptors, including a poisoned buzzard and a poisoned peregrine.

Despite raptor persecution being identified as one of the UK Government’s top wildlife crime priorities in 2009, the persecution of birds of prey still remains an issue of serious concern, with about 590 birds of prey nationally having been confirmed poisoned, shot, trapped or destroyed in the last six years.

Martin Harper, RSPB director of conservation, said public anger is growing stronger over the persecution of our birds of prey.

He added: “Our birds of prey are magnificent creatures and the sight of a hen harrier’s dramatic skydancing display flight is simply breathtaking.

"Everyone should be able to witness this but sadly millions of people are denied this opportunity. Our uplands are deprived of some amazing wildlife because of ongoing illegal persecution and it has to stop.”