Summary of the Hawk Board Minutes – 16 April 2026
The Chairman opened the meeting at 14:00
Present:
Board
Mark Upton (MU) Chair
Gary Biddiss (GB) Vice Chair
Helen Fox (HF) 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
James Legge (JL) Countryside Alliance
Jim Collins (JC) SUN
Co-Opts (No entitlement to vote)
Barbara Royle (BR) Lost rehab Birds
Sarah Calderwood (SCa) PR
Mark Fielder (MF) Scientific Advisor
Nick Fox (NF) UNESCO
Invited Guest (No entitlement to vote)
Matt King Director, British Falconers Club
Apologies:
Cameron Balfour (CB) Scottish Hawk Board
Charlie Heap (CH) BoP Centres
Charlotte Souto (CS) Display Givers (Co-Opt)
Don Ryan (DR) Irish Hawking Club
Dean White (DW) South East Falconry Group
Gordon Mellor (GM) Specialist Member
Karl Robertson Raptor Awards
Talia Hassan (TH) Raptor Awards
The meeting was chaired by Mark Upton.
Key Updates and Decisions
· Previous minutes and matters arising: The crafts group remains under review. GB will draft a letter encouraging participation.
Chair’s report
The fundraising dinner was successful, raising over £6,000. The UNESCO submission was completed on time. CITES reform, avian influenza, positive lists and Wildlife and Countryside Act consultation matters remain key priorities.
Treasurer’s report
Accounts are manageable and a year-end surplus of around £7,000 is expected, largely due to the dinner and donations.
· Election planning: Election letters were due to be sent in April, with nominations closing on 15 June, voting closing on 24 August and results announced on 31 August. The Board discussed ways to improve candidate information and meeting accessibility.
· Fundraising dinner: Members agreed the dinner was well received and worth repeating, potentially every two years, with longer lead-in planning.
CITES and Regulatory Issues
Members expressed serious concern about UK CITES implementation, APHA delays, inconsistent guidance, civil sanctions, the proposed treatment of A10 certificates, peregrine registration, import/export restrictions from 2027, and the impact on breeders, rehabilitators and falconers. Particular concern was raised that administrative policy may be causing avoidable welfare harm. Agreed next steps include gathering evidence, forming a small working group, presenting findings to DEFRA/APHA and preparing for wider disclosure if issues are not resolved.
Other Updates
· UNESCO: The application was submitted before the deadline and receipt was confirmed.
· Avian influenza: The situation has eased seasonally, although it remains an ongoing concern. Vaccine trials were welcomed.
· Wildlife and Countryside Act consultation: Hawk Board and clubs agreed to engage, coordinate evidence and encourage submissions before the 17 May deadline.
· “Tether and Torment” report: The Board agreed not to respond publicly immediately but to monitor the issue and prepare a considered position if needed.
SUN update
EU-level positive list risks appear reduced, but country-level and Scottish developments remain a concern. Engagement should focus on politicians, civil servants and coalition-building.
IAF update
Funding delays affected operations. Subscription increases were approved and working groups will consider future funding and governance.
Countryside Alliance
Members were encouraged to respond to the trail hunting consultation and copy in their local MP.
Actions
· GB to draft a letter promoting the crafts group.
· RU to progress election communications and timetable.
· Board to consider trialling alternative meeting times.
· Relevant members to gather evidence on CITES/APHA-related welfare and licensing impacts.
· Hawk Board and clubs to prepare coordinated consultation responses on WCA amendments.
· CH to be consulted on zoo standards and licensing issues relating to the “Tether and Torment” report.
· NHM and MU to provide BR with welfare, biosecurity and Hawk Board materials.
Next meeting: Provisionally mid-July, subject to confirmation by poll. Location: Zoom.