Wildlife

Wild Montagu's Harrier Crop Nesting Welfare

Montagu's harrier is Britain's rarest breeding raptor, nesting primarily in arable crops. Crop harvesting timing creates direct welfare risks for nests and chicks.

Key Facts

Montagu's harriers typically nest in cereal crops in Britain
Fewer than 20 pairs breed in England in most years
Nest protection by the RSPB and farmers involves delaying or redirecting harvest machinery
They winter in sub-Saharan Africa and are highly sensitive to agricultural timing

Welfare Considerations

Montagu's harrier welfare requires immediate identification of nesting pairs and voluntary cooperation from farmers to exclude nest areas during harvest. RSPB nest protection has saved most English nests in recent decades.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Montagu's harrier nest protection programmes
Participate in raptor monitoring in areas of potential harrier habitat
Farmers: contact RSPB if Montagu's harriers are suspected nesting in crops