Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hen Harrier Persecution Welfare

Hen harriers are one of England's most persecuted raptors, with illegal killing on grouse moors preventing population recovery. Each persecuted bird represents direct welfare suffering and conservation loss.

Key Facts

England should support around 300 breeding pairs of hen harriers but fewer than 10 pairs breed successfully
Illegal persecution on driven grouse moors is the primary cause of population suppression
Satellite-tagged hen harriers frequently disappear over managed grouse moors
Brood Management Scheme moves some nests to prevent predation on grouse but is controversial
Hen harrier numbers in Wales and Scotland are more stable but still suppressed by persecution

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers targeted by illegal persecution suffer painful deaths through poisoning, shooting, or trapping. This represents both a severe individual welfare harm and a conservation catastrophe for England's most persecuted bird. Eliminating persecution through effective legal enforcement, land management reform, and changing shooting industry culture is the most urgent hen harrier welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution to RSPB Investigations or police
Support legal reform to strengthen penalties for raptor crime
Engage with the debate about grouse moor management and raptor persecution