Hen harrier numbers on the rise, despite dangers
The starting point was shockingly low, and well below where we would expect healthy populations of these birds to be given the habitat available to them Mike Shurmer, RSPB
NUMBERS of one of England’s rarest birds of prey are on the increase – with Northumberland a key player – but their future still hangs in the balance according to a new survey.
Results of the 2023 hen harrier survey show how numbers of the birds are faring better than in previous years, but are still far below where they should be.
The English population is estimated to be 54 territorial pairs, up from four pairs since the last survey in 2016, according to data collected by Natural England.
But the population is currently only 15% of what it is believed that the suitable available habitat can support.
Hen harriers also remain absent from large parts of England’s uplands, with no breeding pairs recorded in areas such as the Peak District in Derbyshire and the North York Moors in 2023, despite both of having abundant areas of ideal habitat.
As reported by Natural England earlier this year, disappearances and persecution of hen harriers continues to hamper the recovery of the species in England.
Of the 54 breeding attempts in England recorded by the survey in 2023, 17 were in Northumberland – up on the nine in 2022 – and 11 in the North Pennines compared to seven in the previous year.
But combined Natural England and RSPB data shows 32 satellite-tagged hen harriers vanished or were confirmed as being illegally killed in England in 2023.
Mike Shurmer, head of species for RSPB England, said: “England has seen a significant increase in breeding hen harriers since the last survey, including in the North East which holds important populations, which is very welcome news.
“But the starting point was shockingly low, and well below where we would expect healthy populations of these birds to be given the habitat available to them.
“The reasons for hen harriers continuing to be far below their potential population are complex, but one of the primary causes is that continued illegal killing, typically associated with intensive grouse moor management, is stifling their full recovery.
“The work we and others have been doing to restore these populations is incredibly important, and we need to make sure it continues and that we step up our efforts to tackle the illegal killing of birds of prey.”
The increase in hen harriers in England follows the launch of the Hen Harrier Action Plan by Defra, which aims to increase populations in England and change attitudes towards the species to reduce the numbers being illegally killed.
The Scottish Government recently passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will introduce licensing for grouse shooting, alongside measures to protect the hen harrier habitats.