Hen Harriers & the RSPB

Chief Executive Tim Bonner writes: There is no argument, hen harrier numbers in England are very low and need to increase if this elusive bird of prey is to continue to be part of our landscape. So news from Defra this week that there was a 300% increase in nesting attempts year-on-year is very welcome.

What was not so welcome was the revelation that all but one of the seven hen harrier nests over which the RSPB had primary control had failed.

The figures, released by Defra in response to a question in the House of Lords, show there were 12 hen harrier nesting attempts in England this year. Six were successful - of which four were on or immediately adjacent to grouse moors - and six failed.

Five of the 12 nests were monitored by local raptor workers or a combination of organisations including Natural England and the Forestry Commission, and with the full cooperation of the private landowners. All were successful in fledging chicks. However of the remaining seven nests, all monitored by the RSPB six failed.

What these figures show once again is that the failure, or success, is the result of a complex range of factors. Claiming breeding failure is the result of persecution alone is simply not tenable, unless of course the RSPB is accusing itself of persecution.

Eighteen chicks fledged this year which is excellent news. However, if we are to increase numbers further everyone, including the RSPB, needs to agree to the full implementation of the Hen Harrier Joint Recovery Plan.

Follow Tim on Twitter @CA_TimB