Wild Montagu's Harrier Conservation

Montagu's harrier is one of Britain's rarest breeding raptors, with fewer than ten pairs attempting to breed annually. Its welfare and survival depend on targeted nest protection and prey availability.

Key Facts

Fewer than 10 pairs of Montagu's harriers attempt to breed in England each year
They are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and breeding on lowland farmland and heathland
Nest protection by volunteers and landowners is essential as Montagu's often nest in cereal crops
The species is at the edge of its range in the UK and extremely vulnerable to climate and land use change
Prey availability - small mammals, birds, and large insects - is critical for chick rearing success

Welfare Considerations

Montagu's harrier welfare at UK breeding sites depends on intensive conservation management. Nests in cereal crops risk being destroyed by harvesting machinery without intervention. Volunteer nest protection teams - watching nests 24 hours before harvest and guiding machines around nests - directly prevent chick mortality. Prey availability has declined with agricultural intensification, causing food stress during the breeding season. Each successful breeding pair represents an enormous conservation value given the tiny UK population.

What You Can Do

Support raptor conservation organizations monitoring and protecting Montagu's harrier nests
Volunteer with nest protection programs if you live in areas where Montagu's harriers breed
Advocate for agri-environment schemes that maintain prey availability for ground-nesting raptors
Donate to organizations tracking Montagu's harrier migratory routes using geolocators