Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hen Harrier Persecution and Recovery

Hen harriers are one of England's most persecuted raptors, with grouse moor management practices preventing population recovery.

Key Facts

England should support around 300 breeding pairs of hen harriers but fewer than 10 successfully bred in 2023
Illegal killing on grouse moors is the primary cause of hen harrier absence from suitable habitat
Satellite-tagged harriers frequently disappear in areas with intensive grouse management
The Brood Management Programme has been controversial with limited conservation benefit
Diversionary feeding during breeding season reduces predation on grouse

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers killed illegally suffer acute death from shooting or trapping. The elimination of hen harriers from large areas of apparently suitable habitat represents ongoing wildlife welfare failure. Effective enforcement of wildlife protection laws and reform of driven grouse moor management are the essential interventions for hen harrier welfare and recovery.

What You Can Do

Support organisations including Raptor Persecution UK advocating for hen harrier protection
Report hen harrier sightings and suspected persecution
Engage with grouse moor reform as a wildlife welfare and legal issue