Hen harriers and reasons to be cheerful

As the hen harrier breeding season is about to begin, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the species in England. The 2015 breeding season saw six successful hen harrier nests in England and 18 chicks fledging, the highest number since 2008 and well above the 30-year average. This was achieved despite 2015 being one of the wettest years on record, with a disastrously wet spring nesting period.

In 2016 we hope to see a further increase in chicks fledging. The hen harrier Joint Action Plan has finally been published, and everyone who wants to see this flagship species flourish needs to pull together to make it happen. The weather will again play a key role, but just as important is the need for accurate information on what his happening on the ground. Last year we saw five adult males leave the nest at vital stages in the season, and one further nest predated. With an improved flow of information about these natural causes of failure we can continue to develop our understanding of how to increase hen harrier numbers.

Of course for the plan to be a success illegal persecution simply must end. There has never been any excuse for the illegal killing of birds of prey, and the implementation of the hen harrier Joint Action Plan has created a clear way forward for both hen harriers and grouse.

We are thankful for the tireless work of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural England, the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, the Moorland Association and the RSPB and hope that trust, transparency and cooperation between these groups will continue to develop, but it is gamekeepers and moorland managers who are vital to the future of the hen harrier. Of the six nests that defied the terrible weather last year, four were on or immediately adjacent to grouse moors. We hope that greater transparency will help the public to understand the real issues behind hen harrier ecology, and develop an appreciation for the role of grouse management in their stewardship.

The best year for breeding success in the last 30 years was 2007, when 30 chicks fledged. We hope that with fair weather, good management and transparent cooperation we can reach these heights again in 2016.

Tim Bonner
Chief Executive
Follow on Twitter @CA_TimB