Wildlife

UK Merlin Conservation and Upland Breeding

Conservation of merlins in UK upland moorland and their welfare as breeding and migratory birds.

Key Facts

Merlins are the UK's smallest falcon, breeding on moorland across northern Britain
They prey on meadow pipits and other small birds using fast pursuit flight
UK breeding population is around 1,000 pairs, concentrated in northern England and Scotland
Merlins winter on lowland coasts and farmland across the UK and Europe
Illegal persecution and habitat loss through overgrazing threaten breeding populations

Welfare Considerations

Individual merlins face welfare risks from illegal persecution and degraded upland habitat, with moorland management and legal protection supporting breeding welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB upland moorland conservation programmes
Report any evidence of merlin persecution to police wildlife crime units
Advocate for heather moorland management that benefits breeding merlins