Marsh harriers have recovered strongly in UK reedbeds after near-extinction but face ongoing welfare challenges from persecution and habitat loss.
Marsh harrier welfare has improved substantially with population recovery, but illegal persecution remains a welfare threat. Poisoned bait and shot birds cause painful deaths. Nest disturbance during incubation causes breeding failure. Wetland drainage at wintering sites in Africa affects survival rates. Within the UK, conservation management at reedbed reserves provides secure breeding habitat. The species welfare is closely linked to the health of reedbed networks across eastern England, which are themselves threatened by sea level rise and agricultural drainage.