Wildlife

Wild Merlin Welfare and Upland Habitats

Merlins are the UK's smallest falcon and face welfare challenges from persecution, prey decline and loss of upland moorland breeding habitat.

Key Facts

Merlins breed on upland moorland and blanket bog, hunting meadow pipits and small passerines
UK merlin populations have declined and are restricted to northern and western upland areas
Illegal persecution on driven grouse moors causes significant mortality
Prey availability linked to moorland management affects breeding success
Merlins winter on coastal marshes and lowland farmland where they face different welfare pressures

Welfare Considerations

Merlin welfare requires protection from persecution across both upland breeding and lowland wintering habitats. Moorland management that supports prey species also supports merlin breeding welfare.

What You Can Do

Report suspected merlin persecution on upland moors to RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit
Support upland moorland management that maintains prey diversity for merlin
Record merlin sightings through BTO surveys to contribute to population monitoring