PSNI wildlife officer honoured at UK Awards for protecting Peregrine Falcons

WWF Award NI group photo L-R: Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison (NPCC National Lead for Wildlife Crime and Rural Affairs), Dr Jon Lees (Northern Ireland Environment Agency), Emma Meredith (PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare Officer), Mark Wright (WWF), Kevin Lacks-Kelly (National Wildlife Crime Unit).

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) wildlife and animal welfare officer has been recognised at a national level for her role in safeguarding one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic birds of prey.

Emma Meredith, PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare, was recently presented with a prestigious UK-wide award alongside Dr Eimear Rooney of the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group at the 36th Annual Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference.

The award was made in recognition of their contribution to Operation GLASSBEAK, a major multi-agency initiative aimed at tackling wildlife crime and protecting Peregrine Falcons during the 2025 breeding season.

Emma and Dr Rooney were part of a collaborative UK team that received the WWF Award for Wildlife Crime Operation of the Year 2025, reflecting the scale and impact of the operation.

A UK-wide effort to protect vulnerable birds of prey

Led by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), and supported in Northern Ireland by PSNI, the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Operation GLASSBEAK focused on protecting Peregrine Falcons at their most vulnerable time of year.

Peregrines are a protected species in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011. Despite this legal protection, the birds continue to be targeted by criminals.

Across the UK, Peregrines are persecuted for several reasons, including the illegal removal of eggs or chicks to supply the international falconry trade. Criminal activity also includes deliberate nest destruction, illegal shooting, trapping and poisoning.

The toxic substances used in these crimes pose serious risks not only to wildlife but also to humans, livestock and pets, while undermining the recovery and long-term stability of local Peregrine populations.

Technology and teamwork deliver results

WWF Award full UK group

Operation GLASSBEAK identified twelve of the most vulnerable Peregrine nest sites across the UK, including locations in Northern Ireland. By deploying a range of targeted tactics, the operation succeeded in enabling chicks to fledge in areas where breeding had previously failed.

In Northern Ireland, key sites were patrolled under licence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Innovative approaches were used, including the deployment of PSNI Air Support Unit drones to survey breeding areas that would otherwise have been difficult or impossible to access.

These measures contributed to one of the most successful Peregrine breeding seasons in many years, offering renewed hope for the future of the species locally.

‘A real and meaningful impact’

Speaking about the success of the operation, Emma Meredith said:

“It was an honour for PSNI to be part of this UK initiative and be recognised for our efforts to protect our Peregrine Falcon population. It is lovely to think we may have had a real and meaningful impact in ensuring these birds continue to breed and thrive in Northern Ireland.

“The use of advanced, state-of-the-art drone technology, enabled us to ensure that these birds and their habitats are monitored and protected all year round.

“By working with our partners in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK, we collectively protected numerous nests and allowed us to safeguard even more vulnerable birds.”

Human impact behind the headlines

For those involved on the ground, the award recognises not just enforcement action, but months of dedication, early-morning patrols and careful monitoring carried out to give these birds the best possible chance to survive.

It also highlights how collaboration between police, scientists and conservation bodies can deliver tangible results for wildlife.

As Operation GLASSBEAK demonstrates, protecting Northern Ireland’s natural heritage increasingly relies on a combination of modern technology, partnership working and determined individuals committed to stopping wildlife crime.