As most of you will know, the Inglorious12th thunderclap went out on 12th August, and it spread it's message far and wide.
"I want to see an end to raptor persecution in the uplands. Criminal activity needs to be stopped #Inglorious12th"
By the time the message went out at 9:30am last Saturday, 3565 people had signed up to the thunderclap and we had created an outstanding social reach of 11,093,561. When I first set up the thunderclap, I was hoping to beat the numbers of previous ones I had done, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect such amazing numbers.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the thunderclap. Every single sign up has helped spread the message further and helped it to trend on twitter. People from all different backgrounds signed up, so we really did reach out to a lot of people who may not have even heard of a hen harrier before.
I wish I could do individual thanks to everyone, I have tried to on twitter. Your support has meant everything and is the reason that the thunderclap was such a success. I must say a special thank you to a few people (and I am really sorry if I miss anyone out).
Mark Avery - Mark, thank you so much for your constant support throughout the thunderclap. Your blogging, tweeting, talks etc have made a massive difference, and all the emails, DMs and encouragement are very much appreciated. I have some more ideas for another campaign, but it can wait until I get back from Portugal! Chris Packham, Rob Sheldon, Blanaid Denman, Jeff Knot, Nick Miles, Natalie Bennett, @JW4926, @NannyBirds, @SheffEnvironmental - thank you for using your power to spread the message further.
There are also some groups and organisations that must be mentioned; RSPB, Wildlife Trust, BAWC, Raptor Persecution, Team4Nature, League Against Cruel Sports, Rare Bird Alert. Thank you for the constant pushing of the thunderclap and for signing of course.
Again, sorry if I have missed anyone, I am grateful to each and every person that helped make a difference. I know as soon as I post this that I will think of a load more names I should have mentioned.
So what happens next? Well for me, I will let the impact of the thunderclap settle and hope that it has given some people food for thought. But awareness raising can be done in so many different ways and must be steady and constant to keep the message reaching out to more people. Earlier this year I collected a whole list of words from people. I asked then to tell me the first word that came into their head when they think about hen harriers. I have kept that list of words safe, and it will form part of my next awareness campaign and I will be asking for you help. But more on that when I get home.
We will win.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell done Findlay! Up here in Scotland, several estates 'postponed' (I think actually cancelled) the 12th... due to low stocks, they said, but whatever the reason, I rejoiced! Doesn't mean that all the prep of clearing from rabbits and birds of prey didn't happen - but any small step and all that... YAM xx
I'm proud to have been part of the campaign and contributed in a small way to help spread the word and want to congratulate you, Findlay, on what you achieved. I've had a bee in my bonnet about Hen Harriers for a few years and being involved in this campaign has been one way to let off steam and direct that "buzzing bee" where it will be heard. I also live iun Cheshire and it's good to know there's someone of conviction not far away doing excellent work. I'm NannyBirds btw, aka Joyce Hopewell.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Findlay! Think the tide is definitely turning against 'sport' of this kind. People can see the cruelty, wildlife persecution, environmental degradation, lead contamination of wildlife/land, increased flood risk and CO2 emissions.... and say enough. Especially since so many of these estates receive public subsidies, as they desecrate land that should be cherished for wildlife and people. Look forward to your next projects... keep up the great work : )
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