Wildlife

Wild Hen Harrier England Breeding Protection

Hen harriers are one of England's rarest breeding birds, with populations suppressed by illegal persecution on driven grouse moors. Protection is a major welfare and legal priority.

Key Facts

England had only 6 confirmed breeding pairs of hen harriers in 2022
Illegal persecution including shooting, trapping, and nest destruction is the primary cause of rarity
Scotland has a much larger population due to better protection in some areas
Satellite tagging has provided clear evidence of persecution
Brood management schemes have been trialled as a conflict resolution tool

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers killed through illegal persecution suffer acute welfare harm. Nests destroyed by persecution deprive adult birds of breeding investment and cause death of eggs and chicks. The legal requirement to protect Schedule 1 species is not being met in many areas. Effective enforcement against persecution is an urgent welfare and conservation priority.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution to police wildlife crime units
Support RSPB hen harrier protection and advocacy work
Advocate for effective enforcement of raptor protection laws on grouse moors