Merlin Welfare and Moorland Conservation

Key Facts

• Merlins are the UK's smallest breeding raptor — males (30g) are barely larger than a blackbird
• They are associated with heather moorland for breeding and estuarine and lowland habitats for wintering
• UK breeding population is approximately 1,300 pairs — declining in some regions due to moorland degradation
• Merlins hunt small passerines in fast, low, twisting pursuit flights across open ground
• Nest disturbance by walkers and their dogs during May-July causes nest abandonment

Welfare Considerations

Merlin welfare depends on maintaining extensive areas of heather moorland with abundant skylark and meadow pipit prey. Individual welfare concerns include disturbance at nests — merlins are secretive nesters in tall heather or old crows' nests in scattered trees, but they are intolerant of repeated human intrusion at the nest. Dogs off leads in merlin nesting areas can cause nest abandonment. The relationship between grouse moor management and merlin welfare is complex: well-managed heather moorland benefits merlins, but illegal raptor persecution on some grouse estates is a significant threat.

What You Can Do

• Keep dogs on leads on upland moorland during May-July when merlins may be breeding
• Support RSPB moorland surveys and raptor monitoring programs in upland areas
• Report any suspected illegal merlin persecution or nest disturbance to the RSPB and Police wildlife crime unit
• Advocate for statutory licensing of driven grouse moors to prevent illegal raptor persecution
• Support heathland and moorland restoration projects that provide breeding and foraging habitat for merlins