Wildlife Conservation

Wild Marsh Harrier Breeding Recovery

Marsh harriers have made a remarkable recovery in the UK from near-extinction in the 1970s. Wetland restoration and protection from persecution have enabled this success.

Key Facts

The UK marsh harrier population fell to a single breeding pair in 1971
Recovery followed protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and wetland restoration
There are now over 600 breeding females across the UK in coastal and inland reedbeds
Marsh harriers have recolonised traditional wetland sites abandoned for over a century
Male marsh harriers perform spectacular aerial food passes to females during courtship

Welfare Considerations

Marsh harrier recovery demonstrates what legal protection and habitat restoration can achieve for wildlife welfare and conservation. Each restored breeding site adds to a population that was almost lost forever.

What You Can Do

Visit RSPB and Wildlife Trust wetland reserves to observe marsh harriers
Support wetland restoration projects as habitat for marsh harriers and associated species
Record marsh harrier sightings to support population monitoring