The northern goshawk has made a gradual recovery in UK forests after historical persecution, but illegal killing, habitat loss, and disturbance continue to limit population growth in this secretive woodland raptor.
Individual goshawks suffer from illegal poisoning, trapping, and shooting on some managed grouse moors and pheasant shoots where they prey on gamebirds. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides and lead ammunition affects birds throughout their range. Nest disturbance causes breeding failure, which, while not causing direct suffering to adult birds, represents a significant welfare and conservation cost. Protecting nesting goshawks through restricted access during breeding season directly reduces welfare impacts.