The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is Britain's largest accipiter — a powerful forest predator that was extirpated from the UK by the late 19th century through persecution and habitat loss, before recovering through a combination of deliberate releases by falconers and natural immigration. Its ongoing welfare and conservation are influenced by complex conflicts with game management.
Biology and Ecology
Goshawks are specialist woodland hunters, pursuing quarry (rabbits, pigeons, corvids, squirrels, and various birds) through dense forest using exceptional manoeuvrability and acceleration. They nest in mature woodland — typically old-growth conifers or mixed woodland — building large stick nests used repeatedly over many years. UK population is estimated at approximately 400–600 breeding pairs, concentrated in Wales, the Scottish Borders, Yorkshire, and parts of England.
Persecution and Illegal Killing
Goshawks suffer significant illegal persecution in the UK, particularly in areas with intensive grouse moor management. Persecution takes the form of shooting, trapping, poisoning, and nest destruction. The RSPB Birdcrime report consistently identifies goshawks among the most frequently targeted raptors. Persecution significantly limits population recovery and represents both a conservation crisis and a serious animal welfare concern — the methods used typically cause prolonged suffering before death.
Disturbance at Nests
Goshawks are particularly sensitive to disturbance at the nest — a single human visit during incubation or early chick-rearing can cause nest abandonment. Photography enthusiasts seeking goshawk photographs must maintain substantial distances and ideally operate only from pre-established, licensed hides. Nest sites should not be publicised without the permission of landowners and wildlife authorities.
Legal Protection
Goshawks are Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 — they and their eggs and nests are specially protected. Intentional disturbance at active nests requires a licence from Natural England. Persecution offences carry unlimited fines and up to 6 months imprisonment. The RSPB's Investigations Team works to document and prosecute persecution incidents.
Conservation Management
Retaining mature woodland with large old trees for nesting, maintaining forest connectivity, and reducing persecution pressure are the primary conservation priorities. Satellite tagging has provided important data on movement patterns and has documented persecution events directly — several goshawks have been shown to disappear suddenly in areas known for intensive game management.