|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Operation EASTER- illegal egg collectors. |
||
|
Operation EASTER 2026: 29 Years of Protecting the UK’s Rarest Birds uk | National Wildlife Crime Unit - NWCU Operation EASTER, the UK’s long‑running national effort to protect nesting birds from illegal egg collectors, returns for its 29th year as police and conservation agencies warn that this damaging wildlife crime remains a real and active threat. Despite decades of enforcement, education, and public awareness, the illegal taking of wild bird eggs persists. A small number of determined offenders continue to raid nests—sometimes taking entire clutches from the UK’s rarest and most vulnerable species. These eggs often end up hidden in secret collections or traded internationally, causing long-term harm to conservation efforts and the recovery of threatened bird populations. Recent intelligence shows the scale of the problem is evolving rather than disappearing. In 2024, Operation PULKA dismantled a major transnational egg‑trading network. Thousands of eggs—around 20,000 in total—were seized during coordinated warrants across the UK, with further high-value collections recovered in Australia and Norway. The case underscored the continued demand for wild bird eggs and the sophisticated methods used by offenders. As the 2026 nesting season begins, police forces and partner agencies will again be out in force to disrupt, deter, and prosecute those involved in egg theft, nest disturbance, and other wildlife crimes targeting birds. Public information remains one of the most effective tools in stopping offenders. If you have any information on egg and chick thieves, or those who disturb rare nesting birds without a license, you should contact your local police by dialling 101 – ask to speak to a wildlife crime officer if possible. Get a description/photo and vehicle registration if safe to do so. Nesting will be in full swing in April so please contact the police if you see anyone acting suspiciously around nesting birds. Information can also be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
https://youtu.be/MqlXzqDkSjo?si=cbYlVCS_YrU8Du5J
| ||
Reply to this message | ||
|
|
