UK kestrel populations have shown signs of partial recovery in some areas through 2026, following previous significant declines. Understanding the factors driving recovery informs conservation management priorities.
Individual kestrels in areas with well-managed rough grassland, low rodenticide use, and supplementary nest box provision show improved breeding success and survival compared to those in impoverished agricultural landscapes. Recovery in some areas demonstrates that targeted management can reverse declines. Sustaining and expanding these management approaches provides welfare benefits for recovering kestrel populations.