Wildlife

Hen Harrier Welfare and the Grouse Moor Conflict

Hen harriers remain one of the UK's most persecuted raptors with fewer than 10 nesting pairs in England due to illegal killing on driven grouse moors.

Key Facts

Only 4-9 hen harrier pairs bred in England in most recent years
They should number over 300 pairs based on available habitat
Illegal killing on grouse moors is the primary cause of population suppression
Brood Management trials involve moving eggs to prevent predation of grouse chicks
Conservation organizations are divided on brood management as a solution

Welfare Considerations

Illegal poisoning and trapping of hen harriers on grouse moors causes extreme suffering. Adults killed during breeding season leave chicks to starve. Persecution reduces the species to critical rarity creating demographic vulnerability. Brood management involves handling eggs and chicks causing disturbance stress. The near-extinction of this species from English moorland represents an ongoing conservation and welfare crisis.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for licensing of driven grouse shooting
Donate to RSPB hen harrier protection programs
Advocate for stronger wildlife crime sentencing
Report suspected hen harrier persecution to police and RSPB
Engage with political representatives on grouse moor management reform