Wildlife

Montagu's Harrier Welfare in Arable Crops

Montagu's harriers are extremely rare summer visitors to the UK, nesting almost exclusively in arable crops where harvest presents the primary welfare and conservation threat to this endangered species.

Key Facts

Fewer than 20 pairs of Montagu's harriers breed in the UK annually
The species nests almost exclusively in cereal and oilseed rape crops in England
Harvest of nest crops before chick fledging causes nest failure unless farms and conservationists cooperate
RSPB England coordinates farmer agreements to protect active nests through selective harvest delay

Welfare Considerations

Montagu's harrier welfare in the UK is almost entirely dependent on successful farmer cooperation through the RSPB nest protection scheme. Individual nest failure due to harvest causes direct chick mortality. Given the tiny UK population, every nest failure has population-level significance. Welfare of individual birds and population conservation are inseparable at this scale.

What You Can Do

Support the RSPB Montagu's harrier protection programme through donation and public awareness
Encourage farmers in eastern England to engage with the RSPB nest protection scheme
Record any suspected Montagu's harrier sightings via BTO BirdTrack for verification
Support agri-environment scheme options that provide buffer zones around known raptor nests