A WATCHDOG has revoked licences to kill some wild birds from a sporting estate over what it says is “clear evidence” that wildlife crimes were committed on the property.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has forbidden Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire, from using general licences – which make killing some birds legal for crop or livestock protection purposes – for three years.

SNH said the decision was made after Police Scotland provided evidence of wildlife crimes against birds.

Nick Halfhide, SNH sustainable growth director said: “There is clear evidence that wildlife crimes have been committed on this property.

“This measure will help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place, albeit under tighter supervision .”

A spokesman for Leadhills estate said it is “disappointed” by the decision, adding “anything which restricts legal predator control does have an impact on conservation of species such as wading birds, activity which is important to the estate”.

He said the estate “condemns all forms of wildlife crime”.

Earlier this year Springwatch presenter Chris Packham spoke out after a hen harrier, believed to have been caught in an illegally set trap, found on the estate had to be put down due to its serious injuries.

The estate said it was not to blame for the bird’s death and an internal investigation found no employee was involved in the setting of the traps.