Flying devices shaped like kestrels are soaring aloft to draw attention to the problem of birds of prey being illegally targeted.

The pattern for the flying object, released by Friends of the Dales, a Yorkshire Dales environmental charity, forms part of their Eyes on the Skies initiative and may be downloaded without charge.

Created by kite manufacturer Alan Poxon, whose workshop is located in Gargrave, the custom design draws focus to the shrinking populations of raptors, especially within the Yorkshire Dales.

The devices were launched at Craven College in Skipton, where learners constructed and operated them during enrichment sessions while discovering more about the campaign and the hazards confronting predatory birds.

Victoria Alderson, enrichment officer at the college, noted that participants thoroughly enjoyed constructing the devices and then heading outside to fly them.

Many of them had no knowledge of bird of prey persecution prior to this, she explained, making it an ideal chance to discuss this significant conservation matter with them in a way that was both enjoyable and purposeful.

It was also wonderful to see the wide range of colourful and inventive kestrel designs they produced, she added.

Despite more than seven decades of legal safeguards, numerous birds of prey continue to be victims of unlawful conduct.

Various species now appear on the United Kingdom’s red and amber conservation registers.

Friends of the Dales stresses the ecological significance of birds of prey.

The organisation stated that kestrels and other raptors form an essential component of a thriving, harmonious natural environment and make a valuable contribution to preserving biodiversity when permitted to exist without interference from persecution.

Further details about the initiative, including the complimentary device template and petition, can be found at the address shown.