Wildlife

Wild Marsh Harrier Wetland Recovery

Marsh harriers have made a remarkable recovery in UK wetlands following persecution ending and habitat restoration, representing a significant conservation welfare success.

Key Facts

Marsh harriers were driven to extinction as a breeding bird in England by the 1970s
Legal protection and wetland restoration enabled recovery to over 500 breeding pairs today
Wetland creation under agri-environment schemes provided critical nesting habitat
Marsh harriers are apex predators whose presence indicates healthy wetland ecosystems
Climate change is extending the marsh harrier's range northward in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Marsh harrier recovery demonstrates how legal protection combined with habitat restoration can achieve dramatic conservation success. Supporting wetland creation sustains this recovery.

What You Can Do

Support wetland creation and restoration projects in your region
Record marsh harrier sightings through the RSPB or BTO to support monitoring
Visit designated wetland reserves during summer to witness marsh harrier breeding behaviour