HB meeting 16th October 2025
Summarised minutes from meeting held on Zoom on 16th October 2025.
Archived and detailed minutes are available through your affiliated club representative.
This document provides a summarised record of the Hawk Board meeting held on 16th October 2025, covering topics from organisational updates, financial matters, legislative reforms, to falconry-related cultural heritage initiatives. It also includes various reports from affiliated organizations and outlines ongoing challenges and future plans for falconry and raptor welfare.
Meeting Overview and Attendance
The meeting was chaired by Mark Upton and attended by numerous board members and co-coordinators, with apologies noted from some members.
Present:
Board
Mark Upton (MU) - Chair
Gary Biddiss (GB) - Vice Chair
Helen Fox (HF) - Specialist Member
Gordon Mellor (GM) - Specialist Member
Martyn Standley (MS) - Specialist Member
Rachelle Upton (RU) - Co-ordinator/Treasurer (Non voting)
Clubs/Members
Steve Smith (SS) - British Falconers Club
Sara Skalman (SSK) - Raptor Breeders UK
Sharon Creffield (SCR) - South Eastern Raptors Association
Nick Havermann-Mart (NHM) - Welsh Hawking Club
Ex-officio Members
Jim Collins (JC) - SUN
Co-Opts (No entitlement to vote)
Charlie Heap (CH) - BoP Centres
Charlotte Souto (CS) - Display Givers
Barbara Royle (BR) - Lost rehab Birds
Michael Taylor (MT) - Pest Control
Mark Fielder (MF) - Scientific Advisor
Nick Fox (NF) - UNESCO
Invited (No entitlement to vote)
Talia Hassan (TH) - Raptor Awards
Apologies:
Cameron Balfour - Scottish Hawk Board
Don Ryan - Irish Hawking Club
Dean White - South East Falconry Group
Paul Manning - Wessex Falconry & Hampshire Hawking Club
Karl Robertson - Pest Control Group
Sarah Calderwood - PR
James Legge - Countryside Alliance
Minutes of last meeting/Matters arising:
The date of the previous meeting was included in both the minutes and the accompanying email. To avoid future confusion, we will ensure meeting dates are clearly communicated.
No comments were raised and minutes were signed.
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
Chair’s Report:
Over the summer, Hawk Board attended four falconry events, including the National Centre for Birds of Prey and the Braze Raptor Fair, where Charlie Heap generously donated £724 from fundraising efforts. Gary, Gordon, and Dean represented us at the Game Fair and the Faulkner Gathering in Northamptonshire. The season concluded with Gordon and myself attending the falconry races at Vowley, where Sharon Creffield organised a successful raffle.
Our presence at these events was valuable, and I extend my thanks to all who assisted, especially Nick and Lyne from Honeybrook Animal Foods for transporting exhibition items.
Following our last meeting, Raptor Awards provided course materials for Hawk Board’s review. If members are agreeable, we can vote on their membership today. The pest control group has not yet provided sufficient information for a vote and has requested to defer this to the next meeting.
We attended regular avian influenza meetings and were contacted regarding two cases, one confirmed and one not, which will be discussed further.
Meetings regarding CITES reform have continued, with Raptors Breeders UK organising an informative session with government officials. I thank Sarah and others for their efforts and for sharing their consultation response, which assisted me in completing Hawk Board’s submission.
Canada’s proposal to downlist the Peregrine Falcon from CITES Appendix I to II is ongoing. We participated in meetings with DEFRA, with another scheduled for 22 October.
We had two IAF representatives at the EU Commission Stakeholders Meeting on CITES, where there was significant debate on the Peregrine Falcon down-listing. Our interventions highlighted scientific support and the low risk of trade and addressed concerns about falconers’ involvement in legal trade.
I will be attending the upcoming International Association of Falconry and Conservation Birds Council of Delegates meeting in Slovakia.
Treasurers Report:
As of today, our bank accounts remain at a manageable level.
Subscription letters have been sent to all representatives.
Recent donations include:
Charlie Heap (NCBP Raptor Fair)
The sale of keyrings by two young supporters
Honeybrook Animal Foods (greetings cards)
Bucket collections at Vowley
Raffle organised by Sharon
A barbecue in memory of Angie Chick, to be split with BFRA and credited to our account shortly
Fundraising this year has been very successful. Thank you to everyone involved.
Regarding online donations, no contributions have been received via the website’s donate button, despite promotion at recent events. We may need to reconsider how we communicate this option.
Additionally, Charlie has informed us today that a fully booked course at the National Centre for Birds of Prey will generate fees which he is planning to donate to Hawk Board. Further, Charlotte has funds to transfer, raised at show demos.
Membership Application Pest Controllers
We received an update from Karl this morning confirming that the pest control group is still being organised and is not yet ready to provide the necessary information for membership consideration. Karl remains engaged with this process, despite other commitments, and aims to have the group prepared for our next meeting.
Michael has also been in contact with Karl and the NPTA and will meet with them at the upcoming exhibition on the 5th to discuss further collaboration.
We appreciate the ongoing efforts to establish proper representation for pest controllers on the Hawk Board and look forward to receiving a formal application in due course.
Membership Application Raptor Awards
The Hawk Board reviewed the membership application from Raptor Awards, including details of their courses and assessment processes. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns, particularly regarding the robustness of the certification process and the distinction between theory-only and full practical certification. Talia, representing Raptor Awards, clarified that under the new system, all practical assessments require video evidence and central verification before certificates are issued, addressing concerns about quality assurance and consistency.
The Board also discussed the importance of ongoing assessor training, external moderation, and the value of Raptor Awards for both career development and welfare standards in the sector. Feedback was welcomed to further improve course materials and processes.
Following a thorough discussion, the Board agreed to proceed with a vote. The majority supported granting membership to Raptor Awards, with no objections recorded. Talia was asked to provide the number of assessors for membership records, and the Board looks forward to working collaboratively to maintain and enhance standards in falconry education and welfare.
UNESCO Application (MU/NF)
The process has experienced delays, primarily due to shifting timelines from the relevant government ministries. The draft submission forms are prepared, and the process currently expected to open between late October and mid-November.
Nick has also been tasked by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to establish a community support hub for rural pursuits, including falconry, farming, and countryside activities. This hub will launch alongside the Living Heritage initiative.
CITES Legislative Reform
The Hawk Board has actively participated in several meetings regarding the ongoing CITES legislative reform, including consultations with DEFRA and Raptor Breeders UK. The current public consultation is open online and is set to close on 23 October. Members are strongly encouraged to submit responses, as broad participation is important given the likelihood of significant input from opposing groups.
The consultation is complex and primarily focused on breeders, with limited relevance for general falconers. Sarah and Nick Fox have provided valuable input and guidance, including a simplified guide to help stakeholders complete the submission.
DEFRA’s intention is to propose a deregulatory package, which will be presented to Parliament for an affirmative vote, without amendments. The process is time-sensitive due to a parliamentary slot in early spring, and if successful, changes would likely take effect in October next year.
There is concern about the potential impact of full cost recovery measures, which could increase financial burdens on stakeholders. Legal review of the final proposals may be possible once the government’s position is clear, but formal challenges can only be made after the legislation is enacted.
The Board will continue to monitor developments and advocate for practical, cost-effective reforms.
CITES Down-Listing of Peregrine
The Board discussed the ongoing proposal to downlist the Peregrine Falcon from CITES Appendix I to Appendix II.
Should the down-listing be approved, it could significantly reduce regulatory burdens for breeders, as registration requirements for breeding facilities may be relaxed. However, DEFRA retains the authority to maintain stricter standards within the UK, regardless of international changes.
The Board noted that, even if UK legislation does not immediately reflect the downlisting, the international recognition of the Peregrine’s improved conservation status will provide valuable leverage for future advocacy and public engagement. This change would also help address misconceptions about the species’ endangered status and market value, improving public perception and supporting ongoing conservation efforts.
The Board will continue to monitor developments and participate in relevant meetings to ensure the interests of falconers and breeders are represented.
Avian Influenza
Since the last meeting, there have been two suspected cases of avian influenza in falcons. One case was ultimately not avian influenza, and the response from APHA was considered appropriate and professional, with effective communication and reasonable accommodations made for the welfare of the birds during the investigation.
The second case was confirmed as avian influenza. The response completely different. This approach raised concerns about the lack of differentiation between protocols for poultry and birds of prey, as well as the inconsistency in how cases are handled across different sites.
The second case was confirmed avian influenza and there were concerns on how APHA dealt with the case.
The Board highlighted the need for:
Standardised procedures for handling avian influenza in birds of prey, distinct from poultry protocols.
Improved training for inspectors working with birds of prey.
Greater awareness of the significant value—both financial and operational—of trained falcons, particularly in pest control and breeding contexts.
Clear guidance on biosecurity, documentation, and valuation for compensation purposes.
There was consensus that inconsistent application of policy can have severe emotional and financial impacts on bird keepers. The Board will continue to advocate for more tailored and logical approaches, including the possibility of quarantine rather than automatic culling, and will seek further dialogue with APHA and DEFRA to improve outcomes for falconers and breeders.
Additionally, the importance of transparent communication about the risks of avian influenza, both for animal and public health, was emphasised. The Board will continue to distribute updated guidance and encourage best practices in biosecurity and disease reporting.
Fundraising Dinner
The Board discussed plans for a fundraising dinner, following a proposal from Charlotte. The event is intended to be a formal dinner, similar to a successful event held previously, and will serve as a key fundraising initiative for Hawk Board.
Date: The group agreed to provisionally book the dinner for Thursday, 26th March.
Venue & Catering: The college venue can accommodate up to 150 guests. Efforts underway to secure sponsorship for food items (vegetables, fish, and game) to maximise fundraising potential.
Format: The event will include dinner, an auction, and raffle prizes. Previous events have raised significant.
Next Steps: Once the date is confirmed, Charlotte will provide a detailed proposal covering guest numbers, table arrangements, costs, and fundraising targets. Hawk Board members are encouraged to support ticket sales and event organisation.
The Board expressed appreciation for Charlotte’s efforts and agreed to move forward with planning, aiming to maximise attendance and fundraising outcomes.
Proposals for further presentations
The Board discussed the value of delivering Hawk Board presentations at events across the country. A presentation prepared by Gary is available for use by any member willing to speak at local or regional events. Members are encouraged to suggest clubs, pest control groups, breeders, or other organisations that may be interested in hosting a Hawk Board presentation.
To increase outreach, it was proposed to advertise this opportunity on the Hawk Board’s Facebook page, inviting interested groups to get in touch. The Board will continue to seek invitations and welcomes suggestions for future presentation venues.
SUN Update:
Jim Collins reported that most substantive SUN topics had already been covered earlier in the meeting. He provided the following additional updates:
Positive Listing in the EU:
The European Commission’s review of positive lists is ongoing. The final draft from consultants is expected by year-end. Although the consultants initially received strong criticism for their interim draft, it is anticipated that the final report will still support positive lists, but with significant caveats. These caveats may give the Commission flexibility to avoid implementing positive lists if deemed too complex or costly.Scotland:
The push for positive lists is expected to intensify in Scotland in early 2026, ahead of the Scottish elections. While opposition groups are likely to campaign heavily, the Scottish Government has so far deprioritized this issue, possibly awaiting the EU’s position due to their stated intention to align with EU policy.England:
The English Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, which may address positive lists, is still pending and now expected by the end of the year. SUN and CASC have made several submissions to DEFRA, arguing against positive lists and highlighting the limited uptake of recent primate licensing requirements as evidence of impracticality. If the strategy only proposes a review of positive lists, it will still require significant advocacy to prevent further progression.Consultant Studies:
Another European Commission study, originally intended to address illegal wildlife trade, has been influenced by anti-trade NGOs and now emphasizes positive lists. SUN will continue to engage with the process and challenge any recommendations that are not evidence-based.
Jim concluded that the positive list issue is likely to persist for years and will require ongoing vigilance and advocacy.
Scottish Update:
Nothing material has changed in Scotland, so nothing to report today.
IAF Update:
The IAF Council of Delegates meeting will take place in Slovakia next week, with Mark Upton attending.
The IAF is actively pursuing European Horizon Funds.
The IAF continues to focus on major advocacy issues, especially the downlisting of the Peregrine Falcon. Intensive lobbying efforts are underway in Europe, particularly targeting Hungary, to secure support for the proposal.
The IAF is coordinating with member clubs to encourage national lobbying efforts, providing guidance and template communications to maximise impact.
Countryside Alliance Update:
Rachelle reported on behalf of James, who was unable to attend. The latest Countryside Alliance report has been circulated to members. There are currently no significant developments affecting the Hawk Board.
Key points:
The Welsh Government will proceed with licensing for animal sanctuaries, rescue centres, and dog groomers. The Alliance opposed the licensing of animal exhibits, but the government will not legislate in this area at this time.
The Alliance will continue to monitor developments and provide updates if anything changes.
Roundup of Raptor Breeders UK Consultation Meeting
Mark Upton and Sara Skalman noted that the recent Raptor Breeders UK consultation meeting was highly productive, with extensive discussion among RBUK members. Sara reiterated that RBUK is available to support Hawk Board members with guidance and advice on completing the current consultation. Members are encouraged to reach out for assistance as needed.
Letter Regarding Wild Take
Sara Skalman raised the issue of a joint letter drafted by Carl Jennings and others, proposing solutions for the management of wild-caught birds currently held in captivity. The government (APHA/DEFRA) has sought advice from various organisations but remains uncertain about how to proceed with these birds, some of which are older, imprinted peregrines unsuitable for release or traditional falconry.
The letter advocates for a collaborative approach, suggesting that experienced breeders and falconers are best placed to care for these birds, even if commercial breeding is not involved. The aim is to prevent unnecessary euthanasia and demonstrate the community’s commitment to bird welfare.
Mark Upton confirmed his support for the letter and will circulate it to all Hawk Board members for comment and endorsement, with the intention of presenting a united front alongside BFC and RBUK.
The Board agreed that a joint response is important for both welfare and public relations and will review the letter before formally backing it.
How to go about amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act
Understand the Scale and Risks
Amending a major piece of legislation like the WCA is a complex and costly process, potentially costing millions of pounds and requiring significant parliamentary time and legal expertise.
Once the Act is opened for amendment, any aspect of it can be debated and changed, not just the sections of interest to falconers or breeders. This means there is a risk that changes could be made that are not favourable to our interests, especially given the relative size and influence of the falconry and bird breeding community compared to larger lobbying groups.
Types of Amendments
Primary Legislation: Major changes require a new Bill to be introduced and passed through all stages in both Houses of Parliament. This is a lengthy and unpredictable process.
Secondary Legislation: Some changes (such as updates to schedules or specific provisions) can be made via statutory instruments, which are subject to less scrutiny and can be passed if not formally opposed within a set period (usually 28 days).
Building Support and Alliances
Successful amendments typically require broad support, both within Parliament and among stakeholders. This means building alliances with other organizations (even those with different primary interests) who also seek WCA reform.
Engaging with DEFRA, MPs, and relevant parliamentary committees is essential. Having a clear, evidence-based case for specific, targeted amendments increases the likelihood of success.
Lobbying and Advocacy
Prepare a clear position paper outlining the specific changes sought (e.g., distinguishing between civil and criminal offences, updating definitions, or modernizing compliance requirements).
Participate in consultations and respond to government calls for evidence.
Attend relevant conferences, submit evidence to parliamentary inquiries, and seek opportunities to brief MPs and peers.
Timing and Political Context
Legislative priorities shift with changes in government and public opinion. Major reforms are more likely when there is political will and available parliamentary time.
Monitor for opportunities when government or other major stakeholders are already considering WCA review and be ready to contribute your perspective.
Practical Steps
Form a working group within your organization (and with allies) to draft proposed amendments and develop a lobbying strategy.
Engage legal experts to ensure proposals are robust and feasible.
Stay informed about related legislative developments (e.g., animal welfare strategies, CITES reforms) that may create windows for change.
Key Takeaway:
While amending the WCA is challenging, it is not impossible—especially for targeted, well-justified changes. Success depends on coalition-building, clear objectives, and strategic engagement with the legislative process. Monitoring and contributing to ongoing reviews or consultations is the most practical route for smaller organisations.
AOB:
Animal Feed Inquiry:
Nick reported being contacted by an anti-vegan campaigner researching alternatives to day-old chicks for feeding birds of prey, including a proposal to ban chick imports.
BFC Director Change:
Martyn Standley informed the Board that the British Falconers’ Club (BFC) will have a new director in a week’s time. This change is not expected to affect ongoing collaboration.
Travel with Birds (UK/Ireland):
Don Ryan (Irish Falconry Club) asked about current regulations for UK and Irish falconers traveling with birds between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the UK. The Board confirmed that, post-Brexit, CITES import/export paperwork is required for birds moving between these regions, similar to travel with the rest of Europe. The situation for Northern Ireland is the same, but members are encouraged to check for updates.
Falconry and Hunting Advocacy:
Concerns were raised about falconry being associated with hunting in public campaigns, particularly in videos produced by “Hunting Kind.” While most Council members support hunting, there is consensus that falconry should maintain a degree of separation to avoid negative repercussions from hunting-related controversies. The Board reaffirmed its previous position distancing falconry from hunting with dogs and will continue to monitor and manage this relationship carefully.
CITES Reform and Northern Ireland:
It was noted that proposed CITES reforms may remove some controls between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, potentially simplifying bird movements in the future.