The marsh harrier has made a remarkable recovery from near-extinction in the UK, benefiting from wetland restoration and legal protection, but faces ongoing threats from habitat loss.
Marsh harrier recovery is closely linked to wetland restoration and legal protection. Individual birds face welfare threats from habitat fragmentation - isolated reedbed patches cannot support stable populations and force birds to travel across exposed agricultural landscapes where they are vulnerable. Agricultural drainage and water management practices that reduce reedbed extent continue to threaten habitat quality. Conservation management at key sites must prioritise maintaining water levels and reedbed structure to support harrier welfare and breeding success.