Wildlife

Wild Hen Harrier Welfare and Driven Grouse

Hen harrier welfare is severely compromised by illegal persecution on driven grouse moors, making them one of the UK's most at-risk raptors despite legal protection.

Key Facts

Hen harriers are one of the UK's rarest breeding birds with under 500 UK pairs
Illegal killing on driven grouse moors is the primary cause of population suppression in England
Satellite tagged birds regularly disappear in circumstances indicating persecution on grouse moors
Natural nesting densities in continental Europe are 20-30 times higher than UK levels
RSPB Investigations has documented numerous cases of hen harrier persecution with few prosecutions

Welfare Considerations

Hen harrier welfare is being systematically undermined by illegal persecution on managed grouse moors. Enforcement, licencing reform and consumer choices about grouse shooting are the most effective interventions.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Investigations and wildlife crime units investigating hen harrier persecution
Advocate for licencing of driven grouse shooting linked to raptor persecution monitoring
Report any suspected raptor persecution to the RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit immediately