Wildlife

UK Ringtail Hen Harrier Winter Roost Conservation

Conservation of communal winter hen harrier roosts and welfare of wintering ringtail birds.

Key Facts

Communal roosts of harriers occur on lowland marshes and farmland in winter
Ringtail harriers from continental Europe supplement the UK breeding population
Winter roost sites require protection from disturbance and development
Individual ringtails may travel long distances between feeding areas and roost sites
Winter roost surveys provide population data complementing breeding season counts

Welfare Considerations

Wintering ringtail harriers depend on undisturbed communal roost sites, with protection of winter roosts delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB winter raptor roost monitoring programmes
Respect winter harrier roost sites and avoid disturbance at dusk and dawn
Advocate for protection of communal raptor roost sites from development