Failed to nest successfully for the first time since 1960s

Hen harriers may be on the brink of extinction in England. Only two pairs attempted to nest in England this year, but both failed with no chicks hatching.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was working with the landowner at one of the sites, in order to keep the nesting site protected, but the nest failed naturally. It is currently unknown why the second nest failed.

The hen harrier was once widespread across Britain but has been forced out of England by illegal persecution through shooting, trapping and disturbance. A Government scientific study – the Hen Harrier Framework – suggested there is capacity for up to 300 pairs of hen harriers in England.

Martin Harper, the RSPB’s conservation director said: “The hen harrier is one of our most charismatic birds of prey enjoyed by many visitors in the uplands. However, managers on some intensively managed shooting estates have been attempting to remove this bird since it recolonized.”

The future prospects for the birds largely depend on attitudes of grouse moor owners who do not always tolerate the hen harrier.

A long-term study at Langholm Moor in Scotland used a technique known as diversionary feeding, where gamekeepers provide alternative prey during the nesting season. This technique had great success with eggs hatching but unfortunately does not seem to be very popular.

RSPB are working with stakeholders as part of a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) group to produce an emergency recovery plan for the hen harrier in England. They are also calling for the government to introduce vicarious liability – making landowners responsible for the actions of their gamekeepers – in the hope that this will improve protection.

Martin Harper concluded: “My challenge to those who run grouse moors is simple: respect the law and allow hen harriers and other birds of prey to flourish again.”