Wildlife

UK Hen Harrier Brood Management Scheme

The controversial hen harrier brood management trial and its welfare and conservation implications.

Key Facts

Brood management involves moving harrier chicks from grouse moors to captive rearing
The trial aims to reduce harrier numbers on moors while increasing overall population
Conservation organisations are divided on the welfare and conservation merits
Wild chick welfare during capture and rearing is a significant concern
Persecution remains the primary barrier to harrier recovery, not prey competition alone

Welfare Considerations

Brood management causes significant welfare costs to individual harrier chicks through capture and captive rearing, and its conservation merits remain contested.

What You Can Do

Follow the hen harrier brood management debate through RSPB and Moorland Association
Advocate for tackling illegal persecution as the primary harrier conservation strategy
Support independent monitoring of brood management welfare and conservation outcomes