The merlin is Britain smallest falcon and breeds on moorland, wintering on coastal areas and farmland, with populations declining due to afforestation of upland breeding habitats.
Merlin welfare on breeding grounds depends on open moorland with short heather and abundant small bird prey. Afforestation that replaces open moorland with dense conifers eliminates breeding habitat. Legal protection prevents direct persecution but illegal raptor crime continues to affect some moor populations. Upland land management decisions directly affect this charming small falcon.