Hen Harriers

Hen Harrier survival is often misrepresented. This blog examines an RSPB study, exposing inflated claims and highlighting the real situation.

Britain’s birds of prey are thriving. Red kite, buzzards and sea-eagles are all doing well. Golden eagle numbers are up. And, in England, hen harrier numbers are at a 200-year high.

In recent years England has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in hen harrier numbers, largely due to collaborative conservation efforts.

There was a significant increase of 1,150% in hen harrier numbers in England between 2016 and 2023. This remarkable growth is a testament to the success of collaborative conservation efforts.

The reintroduction of golden eagles in Donegal is threatened by low prey biomass. In contrast, southern Scotland's cooperation with land managers has boosted eagle numbers.

We respond to a recent piece in The Telegraph - 'Protected hen harriers being killed off in record numbers'.

The RSPB’s latest missive, “Hen Harriers in the Firing Line – 2025”, has all the hallmarks of a tired detective novel: confident conclusions, convenient villains and crucial evidence that always seems to vanish

Why is the RSPB pushing unverified data while refusing to publish how many birds live on its own reserves? Read our full response.

The article below appear in The Times on 15th April 2025:

With hen harriers beginning to settle on our moors again we must update you on Natural England’s recent decision regarding our application for a hen harrier conservation licence.

Six months after applying for a licence, we are still waiting to hear if Natural England is interested in continuing the successful trial.

A recently commissioned report by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) for Natural England looked into this puzzle.