Wildlife

Merlin: Britain Smallest Falcon on Upland Moors

The merlin is the UK smallest falcon and faces welfare threats from habitat management and climate change on upland breeding grounds.

Key Facts

Merlins are Britain smallest falcon breeding mainly on upland heather moorland
UK population declined from an estimated 1,300 pairs to around 900 pairs between 1983 and 2012
They are migratory with most birds wintering on coastal marshes and lowland areas
Merlins feed mainly on small birds caught in fast low-level pursuits
Upland afforestation has reduced available breeding habitat significantly

Welfare Considerations

Merlins face welfare threats from inappropriate heather management including too-frequent burning that leaves insufficient tall heather for nesting. Deep peat drainage associated with afforestation dries out habitat. Illegal persecution on some grouse moors affects breeding success. Climate change is driving range contraction at lower altitude areas of the breeding range. Cold wet summers reduce small bird prey availability.

What You Can Do

Support upland moorland restoration that retains a mosaic of heather age structures
Report suspected merlin persecution to police wildlife officers
Advocate for peat restoration and rewetting that improves upland habitat quality
Join BTO upland bird surveys that track merlin population trends
Support woodland removal projects from deep peat that restore openness for merlins