Update: Hen Harrier Conservation Licence 2025
- Andrew Gilruth
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
With hen harriers beginning to settle on our moors again we must update you on Natural England’s decision regarding our application for a hen harrier conservation licence.
You will remember that the brood management trial aimed to strike a balance between protecting hen harriers and supporting the management of grouse moors. We felt that was working well.
Our application was largely based on the previous trial licence. While Natural England agreed with some parts of our plan, such as secure release sites and disease control, they ultimately chose not to approve the licence.
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One key factor was Natural England’s belief that satellite tagging is required to achieve the project’s conservation goals. As we’ve said before, we don’t agree. Hundreds of hen harriers have been tagged over the years and they have not resolved the issue. A point Natural England successfully used to defend the trial licence in the High Court.
We proposed using high visibility leg tags because we have serious concerns about using satellite tags – particularly the added cost and complexity. We also have concerns about how satellite tracking data is being used to damage trust and increased tension. Our position follows international guidelines for resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
Although this decision is disappointing, we remain fully committed to finding a workable, long-term solution. This should include finding ways to avoid the situation we faced last year that saw trial licence conditions bringing the project to a halt – because it had been too successful.
We are carefully reviewing Natural England’s report and have already commenced discussing the next steps with it – in preparation for next year.
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