Wildlife

Wild Marsh Harrier Wetland Welfare

Marsh harriers have recovered strongly in UK wetlands following pesticide bans and habitat restoration.

Key Facts

Marsh harriers were reduced to a single UK breeding pair in the 1970s before recovery
Wetland habitat restoration has been central to their remarkable population comeback
They breed in reedbeds and hunt over open water and marsh for small mammals and birds
Climate change is enabling northward range expansion as wetland habitat increases

Welfare Considerations

Marsh harrier recovery demonstrates the welfare benefits of targeted habitat restoration and pesticide reduction. Individual birds now thriving in restored wetlands are experiencing natural breeding success following decades where the population welfare was catastrophically compromised.

What You Can Do

Support WWT and RSPB wetland restoration programmes
Visit marsh harrier viewing sites to appreciate their recovery
Advocate for continued pesticide reform protecting raptor welfare