Rare birds thrive at reserve

One of the UK’s rarest bird of prey species, the hen harrier, is thriving in a new nature reserve following southern Scotland’s biggest ever community buyout.

A total of 13 hen harrier chicks fledged this summer in the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve set up thanks to the local community’s £6 million purchase of more than 10,000 acres of Langholm Moor from Buccleuch Estates.

A spokesperson said: “Langholm Moor is a place where people can be inspired by wild nature as they watch hen harriers skydancing above the dramatic hills of a former grouse moor. We have the opportunity to play a role in transforming the fortunes of this species.”