FORESTRY officers have appealed for information after a nest of rare goshawk chicks has been destroyed by vandals in woodland near Chepstow.
During a routine visit, a Forest Enterprise wildlife ranger discovered a tree, home to a pair of rare goshawks and three chicks, had been felled.
Further investigations revealed the tree had been purposely cut down by hand and that the chicks had disappeared.
It is thought that the chicks were either stolen for falconry purposes or killed and disposed of, possibly as part of a systematic persecution process by game managers.
The Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a bird of prey legendary for its ferocity, beauty and amazing flight skills. It was eradicated from the UK in the 19th century as a result of persecution and habitat loss and was reintroduced from Northern Europe during the 1960s.
David Rees, Forest Enterprise conservation manager, said: "It is believed there are only 200 pairs of goshawks in Wales and many thrive in Forest Enterprise land, which provides excellent nesting and hunting grounds. We are therefore shocked by this malicious and wilful act of conservation vandalism."
Goshawks are a fully protected species and listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Penalties are imposed for killing, injuring, disturbing or taking birds and for taking, damaging or destroying nests and eggs. Fines for any of these offences will be imposed to a maximum of £5,000 for each offence.
Forest Enterprise Wales has been in contact with the police, RSPB and Countryside Council for Wales to ensure the monitoring of all birds of prey nest locations is stepped up.
Now it is appealing to the public to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour. If anyone has any information relating to this incident or similar activities, please contact David Rees on 01550 720394.