Wildlife

Hen Harrier Welfare and Recovery from Illegal Persecution

The hen harrier is one of the most persecuted birds of prey in the UK with fewer than 900 breeding pairs, held below ecological carrying capacity by illegal killing on managed grouse moors.

Key Facts

Around 870 breeding pairs in UK, mostly in Scotland with very few in England
England should support 300+ pairs based on habitat but fewer than 20 breed
Satellite tracking repeatedly shows disappearances on managed grouse moors
RSPB estimates 250+ hen harriers should breed in northern England annually
Brood meddling (nest management) scheme remains controversial as a management tool
Protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 but persecution continues at scale

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers killed by illegal persecution die by shooting, trapping, or poisoning, each causing acute suffering. Nest destruction kills eggs and chicks. Poisoning causes slow neurological deterioration. The cumulative effect of persecution has held this species below carrying capacity for decades. Each breeding pair lost to persecution represents both welfare harm and the loss of further potential breeding adults. Individual birds can live 10+ years.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB campaigns for grouse moor licensing as the most impactful policy measure
Report any suspected raptor persecution to RSPB Investigations or local police
Engage with your MP on grouse moor licensing legislation
Support satellite tagging programmes that document persecution through data
Donate to hen harrier monitoring and protection programmes in upland England
Advocate for removal of driven grouse shooting subsidies from farms with persecution evidence