Hen Harrier Welfare and Illegal Persecution on Grouse Moors

Hen harriers are among the most persecuted birds in the UK. Despite legal protection since 1954, illegal killing on driven grouse moors has prevented recovery in England, where the breeding population should be hundreds of pairs but numbers only around 10.

Key Facts

Hen harriers are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Schedule 1
The English population should support 300+ breeding pairs based on habitat availability
In 2019 only 4 male hen harriers were recorded attempting to breed in England
Tagged hen harriers repeatedly disappear over managed grouse moors in suspicious circumstances
Natural England trials of brood management (moving eggs from harrier nests on grouse moors) are controversial

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers that are killed or poisoned on grouse moors experience acute suffering from shooting, trapping, and poisoning. The illegal removal of breeding adults leaves dependent chicks to starve. Population suppression through illegal persecution represents ongoing, systematic welfare harm at scale. The concentration of persecution on driven grouse moors creates a conflict between the economic interests of the driven grouse industry and the welfare and conservation status of a protected raptor.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Hen Harrier Life project and raptor persecution reporting
Contact your MP about vicarious liability legislation for raptor persecution
Donate to Raptor Persecution UK investigative journalism
Engage with Natural England brood management scheme consultations
Never accept grouse or game from estates with documented raptor persecution records