ARCHIE WATSON, GAMEKEEPER FROM PEWSEY, CONVICTED OF RAPTOR CRIMES IN WILTSHIRE

In 2022, gamekeeper Archie Watson, born around 2000 and residing on Dragon Lane, Manningford Bruce, Pewsey, SN9 6JE, was convicted of offences related to the illegal disposal of protected birds of prey.

Watson was seen in court footage dumping dead wild birds, and was prosecuted after secret filming captured him placing deceased buzzards, red kites, and a herring gull into a well.

He pleaded guilty to possessing dead birds of prey illegally, after authorities discovered the remains in a well located on the grounds of Galteemore Farm (also known as the Farm at Avebury) in Beckhampton.

The charges involved five dead buzzards, three red kites, and one herring gull. Additionally, Watson admitted to three counts of failing to comply with a firearm certificate, as a loaded shotgun was found in his unlocked vehicle.

In August 2020, the RSPB launched a covert investigation following a tip-off about a gamekeeper at Galteemore Farm killing birds of prey and disposing of their remains in a well.

Ashley Petchey, prosecuting, explained that a team from the RSPB installed hidden cameras around the well, which recorded footage of a male suspect repeatedly visiting the site. On 12 August 2020, footage showed him placing a buzzard into the well, leading Wiltshire Police to identify the individual as Watson.

With the aid of the footage, police obtained a search warrant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Supported by the RSPB, Natural England, and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, they raided two addresses linked to Watson, including Galteemore Farm, in September 2020.

The farm’s owner, Robert Hues, provided police with Watson’s address, where Watson was subsequently arrested.

Specialist rescue teams recovered the remains of numerous birds from the well, including protected species such as red kites, buzzards, and a gull, along with dead pheasants, part of a sheep, and a skull of an unidentified mammal.

In interviews, Watson claimed that the buzzard placed in the well was found dead under a tree and that he used the well to dispose of dead birds. He stated he discovered the leg rings during metal detecting on land in Pewsey.

While the cause of death could not be definitively determined, some of the birds, including two buzzards, contained metal remains. Andy Lee, Watson’s defender, asserted that his client did not cause unnecessary suffering or kill any birds; he said Watson had only come into possession of the birds after their natural death and used the well as a means of disposal to prevent disease.

Lee added there was no evidence of persecution.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Angharad Thomas remarked, “This is one of the largest prosecutions related to possession of dead wild birds. Every wild bird is protected by law, and it is an offence to possess them, dead or alive. The death of three red kites in that area is concerning and could hinder conservation efforts. The CPS is committed to prosecuting wildlife crimes.”

Watson was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 180 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £288 to the Fairtrade Access Fund.