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Record numbers for hen harrier breeding
Hen harriers have a distinctive owl-like face with stiff facial features which direct sound toward their ears for hunting.

England's most endangered bird of prey continues its five-year breeding increase. 

This year marks the fifth consecutive year of increases in hen harrier breeding in England, with 2021 being the most successful year on record since the 1960s.

On the red-list of birds of conservation concern within the UK, hen harriers have had their strongest year for breeding number since Defra launched its Hen Harrier Action Plan, with 84 chicks fledged from nests.

The Hen Harrier Action Plan was introduced by Defra in January 2016, and outlines six actions to conserve the species. The plan starts with the monitoring of hen harrier populations in the UK, and then proposes diversionary feeding, working alongside the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), nest and winter roost protection, southern reintroduction, and a trial brood management scheme. 

Breeding took place across uplands in County Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, and was protected and monitored by Natural England, alongside the RSPB and other partners. 

Natural England's director for wildlife licensing and enforcement cases, Dave Slater, commented on the landmark number of chicks: “It is wonderful that these striking birds have seen another lift in their breeding numbers this year. It is thanks to all those involved - volunteers, landowners, and staff from all our partner organisations who have worked so hard to protect, encourage and monitor these vulnerable birds.

“However, the stark reality is that illegal persecution is still rife in their habitats, and, sadly, too many birds still go missing in unexplained circumstances.

“In recent years, tagging has increased our knowledge of their ecology and movements. Despite this year’s success, hen harriers are critically endangered in England and there is a long way to go, if we are to achieve a permanent recovery.”

Further information on how the Hen Harrier Action Plan is being implemented can be found here. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.