Merlin Welfare: Upland Breeding in the UK 2026

The merlin is the UK's smallest falcon and an upland specialist, facing welfare challenges from habitat change, disturbance, and prey decline.

Key Facts

Merlins breed on upland moorland in northern England, Scotland, and Wales
The UK supports approximately 900-1,500 breeding pairs - a significant proportion of the European population
They nest on the ground among heather or in old crow nests in trees
Merlins feed almost exclusively on small passerines such as meadow pipits and skylarks
Prey availability is strongly linked to moorland management and the abundance of upland songbirds

Welfare Considerations

Merlin welfare depends heavily on the quality and extent of upland heather moorland. Changes in moorland management, including inappropriate burning regimes and overgrazing by sheep or deer, reduce heather cover and the prey species merlins rely on. Disturbance at nest sites from recreational activities such as walking and mountain biking causes nest abandonment and chick mortality. Targeted management of buffer zones around known nest sites during the breeding season substantially reduces this welfare risk.

What You Can Do

Stay on designated paths in upland areas during the merlin breeding season (April-July)
Support moorland management organisations maintaining heather for ground-nesting birds
Report suspected merlin nest disturbance to the RSPB or local raptor groups
Advocate for upland agri-environment scheme payments that benefit ground-nesting raptors