Wildlife Conservation

Wild Hen Harrier: English Population Recovery

Hen harrier populations in England are recovering slowly from near-extinction driven by illegal persecution on grouse moors. Each breeding season is closely monitored and publicised.

Key Facts

England hen harrier breeding population reached only 12 successful nests in 2024
Illegal persecution on driven grouse moors remains the primary barrier to population recovery
Satellite-tagged harriers show suspicious disappearances at high rates over managed grouse moorland
The RSPB Hen Harrier Day events raise public awareness and political pressure for enforcement
Legal protection exists but detection and prosecution of persecution remains challenging

Welfare Considerations

Each hen harrier breeding attempt in England represents a welfare and conservation event of significance given the extreme rarity of the species. Illegal persecution causing deaths through shooting and poisoning inflicts direct welfare harm on highly sentient raptors.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Hen Harrier Day and campaigns for grouse moor management reform
Report any suspected raptor persecution to Police Wildlife Crime Officers and RSPB
Advocate for stronger enforcement including vicarious liability for driven grouse moors