Raptors

Merlin Welfare and Upland Heather Moorland Management

Merlins are the UK smallest falcon, breeding on upland heather moorland and wintering on lowland coasts and farmland. Moorland management practices significantly influence merlin breeding success and welfare.

Key Facts

Merlins are the UK smallest falcon, about the size of a mistle thrush
The UK population is estimated at around 1,300 pairs, mostly in Scotland and northern England
They nest on the ground in dense heather, making them vulnerable to excessive burning regimes
Merlin breeding success depends on abundant small bird prey including meadow pipits
Driven grouse moor management that eliminates heather complexity may reduce merlin habitat quality

Welfare Considerations

Merlins nesting in heather that is burned too frequently lack the dense mature heather required for nest concealment, increasing nest predation risk. Loss of meadow pipit prey through overgrazing of upland grassland reduces food availability for breeding pairs and chicks. Adults that fail to find adequate prey for their brood experience chronic foraging stress. The intersection of grouse moor management and merlin welfare creates genuine conservation conflicts.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB upland moorland monitoring including merlin survey programs
Advocate for balanced heather burning rotation plans that maintain habitat complexity
Donate to UK Raptor Group monitoring programs for upland raptors
Report merlin nesting to local raptor groups for nest protection
Engage with upland land management debates through Moorlands Association consultation responses