Wildlife

Hen Harrier Welfare and Brood Management

The hen harrier is one of England's rarest breeding birds of prey, with a small population subject to ongoing conflict with driven grouse shooting.

Key Facts

Only 50-60 pairs breed in England annually despite suitable habitat for hundreds
Illegal persecution is the primary cause of population suppression
Brood management involves moving eggs or chicks from moorland to supplementary feeding areas
Satellite tracking frequently shows suspicious disappearances over grouse moors
Legal protection since 1954 has not prevented ongoing persecution

Welfare Considerations

Brood management schemes impose welfare costs through disturbance, handling, and artificial rearing. The fundamental welfare problem is illegal persecution. Satellite-tagged birds regularly disappear in suspicious circumstances over managed grouse moors, indicating ongoing illegal killing.

What You Can Do

Support Hen Harrier Action Plan through RSPB
Donate to raptor persecution investigation organisations
Advocate for stronger penalties for raptor persecution
Support licensing of driven grouse shooting to improve accountability