Only one goshawk nest now remains in the Derwent Valley

Five outdoor bodies have united in condemning the destruction of a rare raptor’s nest and eggs in a national park.

And the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever destroyed the goshawk’s breeding place in the Peak District.

Police said they do not believe the damage to the nest in the Derwent Valley was due to natural causes.

The Moorland Association, which represents grouse-moor owners, joined the National Trust, Natural England, Peak District National Park Authority and the RSPB in expressing its condemnation.

The destruction leaves only one active goshawk nest in the Derwent Valley, which previously held six pairs of these birds.

The organisations, which last year launched a Birds of Prey Initiative to achieve breeding targets for merlin, peregrine and short-eared owl, have been working together since 2008.

John Lomas, of the Peak District National Park Authority, who chairs the group, said: “I’ve been advised that the police have indicated it was not due to natural causes.

“We strongly condemn any wilful destruction of nests and eggs.

“We have been making good progress working closely with bird groups, landowners and gamekeepers to secure the right protection for rare species, and the destruction of this nest is a setback.

“Nevertheless we will continue to work with all those who are co-operating with us. We should not let the bad behaviour of a few individuals stop the improving relations between the different interests.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Derbyshire police on the non-emergency crime line 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.