Wild Animals

Merlin: Upland Falcon Welfare and Moorland Loss

The merlin is the smallest British falcon, breeding on upland moorland and facing serious welfare pressures from habitat loss, grouse moor management, and climate-driven changes to heather moorland.

Key Facts

Merlins breed at densities of around 0.5-1.5 pairs per km2 on suitable moorland
UK population is estimated at 900-1,200 pairs, with strongholds in northern England and Scotland
They hunt meadow pipits almost exclusively in the breeding season
Merlin numbers have declined by over 30% in some upland regions since the 1980s
Winter merlins from Scandinavia supplement the resident population on coasts and heathlands

Welfare Considerations

Merlins are highly dependent on structurally diverse heather moorland for nesting and hunting. Overgrazing, inappropriate burning regimes, and afforestation have degraded key habitats. Illegal poisoning on grouse moors, though less documented than for larger raptors, remains a welfare concern. Climate change threatens heather moorland through increased drought stress and altered precipitation, potentially reducing suitable breeding habitat by 20-30% by 2050.

What You Can Do

Support upland habitat restoration charities working on moorland recovery
Back reform of grouse moor burning practices and oppose illegal raptor persecution
Participate in Breeding Bird Survey walks in upland areas to monitor merlin populations
Donate to wildlife crime investigation units that operate in raptor persecution hotspots