Wild Hen Harrier Recovery England

Hen harriers are England's most persecuted bird of prey, with illegal killing on grouse moors preventing population recovery despite legal protection since 1954.

Key Facts

England should support 300+ breeding hen harrier pairs based on habitat availability
Actual breeding pairs in England number fewer than 10 in recent years
Satellite-tagged hen harriers frequently disappear over managed grouse moors
RSPB investigations have documented evidence of illegal killing but prosecutions remain rare
Brood management as an alternative to illegal killing is controversial within conservation

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers illegally killed by poisoning, shooting, or trapping on grouse moors face acute welfare harms. Poisoned birds die over hours from toxic effects. Trapped birds suffer fear and injury. The population-level impact - near-extinction as an English breeding species - means that each individual's welfare is also ecologically catastrophic. The failure of law enforcement to protect this species represents a systemic failure with both welfare and conservation consequences.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected hen harrier persecution to police and RSPB immediately
Support RSPB campaigns for stronger raptor persecution enforcement
Engage with your MP about the government's hen harrier action plan
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation holding landowners responsible for employee crimes
Donate to RSPB hen harrier monitoring and conservation