28th July 2014
An HM Government e-petition has been posted that calls for the publication of the Hen Harrer Joint Recovery Plan which seeks to boost hen harrier numbers in England whilst ensuring continued viable driven grouse shooting and the environmental, social and economic benefits it brings. The Moorland Association backs the Plan and calls for it to be published.
Sign the HM Government e-Petition
http://www.gwct.org.uk/hhpetition
Overseen by Defra, the Hen Harrier Joint Recovery Plan was drawn up by moor owners, gamekeepers, RSPB, Game and Wildlife conservation Trust and National Parks and AONB Protected Landscape bodies. Work started in August 2012 and the Plan has been ready since January this year, but has not yet been launched.
The six elements of the Joint Recovery Plan are:
- Law enforcement, prevention and intelligence led by a senior police officer
- Ongoing monitoring of breeding sites and winter roosts
- Research of the movement of hen harriers using satellite tracking
- Diversionary feeding of hen harriers to reduce predation on grouse chicks
- Engagement study about reintroducing them to other parts of England
- Brood management trial to avoid red grouse and hen harrier population swings (based on one Hen Harrier nest per 20,000 acres).
Learn more about the Recovery Plan – Hen Harrier Fact File
Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association said: “This is a very exciting and pivotal time for the hen harrier and we must build on this year’s breeding success on grouse moors. We all want to see a sustainable population of hen harriers in England. This holistic Plan, which recognises the real conflict between grouse and harriers, deals with any wildlife crime associated with the birds whilst ensuring their numbers can grow with minimal impact on land use and other wildlife. This joined up approach gives hen harriers the best chance of recovery.”
Sign the HM Government e-Petition to have the Plan published.
http://www.gwct.org.uk/hhpetition