Wildlife

Wild Hen Harrier Recovery Welfare

Hen harrier recovery requires genuine commitment to reducing persecution and implementing sustainable management of grouse moorland.

Key Facts

England should support 300 breeding hen harrier pairs based on available suitable habitat
Actual breeding pairs in England number under 20 due to persecution
Satellite tag evidence shows disproportionate tag failure over grouse moors indicating deliberate killing
A joint statement by Moorland Association and conservation organizations has not prevented persecution
Rewilding and diversification of upland land use offers long-term habitat security for harriers

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers killed on grouse moors die from shooting or other deliberate persecution. Their near-absence from suitable English habitat represents one of the worst ongoing wildlife welfare violations in the UK.

What You Can Do

Support organizations campaigning for grouse moor licensing with wildlife crime conditions
Advocate for mandatory wildlife crime conditions on driven grouse shooting licenses
Donate to hen harrier monitoring programs that document persecution through satellite tracking