Wildlife

UK Montagu's Harrier Conservation and Arable Fields

Conservation of Montagu's harriers, the rarest UK breeding raptor, in arable farmland.

Key Facts

Fewer than 10 pairs of Montagu's harriers breed in England each year
They breed in cereal fields where nests are vulnerable to harvesting machinery
RSPB nest protection scheme saves chicks by co-ordinating with farmers at harvest
Montagu's harriers are summer visitors arriving from sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat loss in both breeding and wintering areas threatens this critically rare bird

Welfare Considerations

Montagu's harrier chicks face direct welfare risk from harvest machinery, with nest protection schemes delivering measurable individual welfare and conservation benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Montagu's harrier nest protection through donations
Report possible Montagu's harrier sightings immediately to the RSPB
Advocate for harrier nest protection provisions in arable farming support policy