The marsh harrier has made a remarkable recovery in the UK from near extinction to over 400 breeding pairs, driven by wetland restoration, and represents a model for welfare-focused conservation.
Remaining welfare threats include illegal persecution on game estates, entanglement in fishing gear near wetland sites, and wind turbine collisions in areas of expanding breeding range. However, the success of marsh harrier recovery demonstrates that welfare and conservation outcomes can be dramatically improved through habitat restoration and effective legal protection. Continued vigilance against illegal persecution is needed.