Wildlife

Wild Merlin UK Moorland Welfare

Merlins are the UK's smallest falcon, breeding on upland moorland and wintering in lowland areas. Understanding their ecology supports welfare-informed conservation.

Key Facts

UK merlin population is approximately 1,300 breeding pairs concentrated in northern uplands
They prey on small birds including meadow pipits and skylarks
Illegal persecution on grouse moors is a significant threat
Upland habitat management affects prey availability and nesting success
Merlins winter in lowland areas including coastal marshes and farmland

Welfare Considerations

Merlins subject to illegal persecution suffer acute welfare harm. Those breeding in degraded upland habitat with reduced prey availability experience nutritional stress. Conservation management that maintains prey-rich upland habitat and enforces legal protection of this Schedule 1 species supports individual merlin welfare.

What You Can Do

Report suspected merlin persecution to police wildlife crime units
Support upland conservation that maintains prey habitat for merlins
Record merlin sightings through BTO monitoring schemes