The marsh harrier has recovered strongly in the UK following persecution and wetland drainage losses. Continued wetland conservation supports both welfare and population growth.
Marsh harrier welfare was historically devastated by deliberate persecution and drainage of their wetland nesting habitat. Recovery has been driven by RSPB and Wildlife Trust management of reedbed wetlands. Remaining threats include illegal persecution, reedbed succession into scrub which reduces habitat quality, and disturbance of nesting females by photographers seeking close images. Active reedbed management including water level control and rotational cutting maintains optimal nesting habitat.