Hen Harrier Project – Q&A with Natural England

• Why do you think the Hen Harrier failed to breed in England in 2013?

Natural England (NE): There were two Hen Harrier breeding attempts in England in 2013 though, unfortunately, both were unsuccessful. Natural England has published a summary of the main factors impacting on the Hen Harrier population in England.

Once a population of any species is reduced to very low levels then a variety of different factors can have significant impacts on the success of the few remaining pairs. This can include adverse weather, poor food supply, disease and ongoing illegal persecution. The reasons for the failure of the 2013 pairs are not known.

• Are you confident that the species has a viable long-term future in England?

(NE) We are working with the Defra-led Hen Harrier stakeholder group to develop a recovery plan for Hen Harriers in England. Given the long-term substantial decline in numbers over recent decades, restoring the Hen Harrier population will be challenging.  However, we hope that a plan agreed by all the main groups (including Natural England, RSPB, GWCT, National Gamekeepers Organisation, National Parks Authority and Moorland Association) will begin to make progress and see the start of a population recovery.  There is sufficient suitable habitat in England to be able to sustain a healthy breeding population of Hen Harriers.

• Is diversionary feeding a viable tactic which could be used in the future?

(NE) Diversionary feeding has shown great promise in trials already conducted as part of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project.  The food provided is readily taken by the adult Hen Harriers and this reduces the number of Red Grouse that they bring into the nest to feed the young.  It is an approach that we are recommending is used in England when Hen Harriers breed on grouse moors and estate managers are concerned about possible impacts on grouse.  It is currently being used at one of the three active nests in England this year.

•   What other measures have you recommended to the sub-group?

(NE) The sub-group has discussed a wide range of different measures and it is hoped that an action plan will be published in the near future.  It would be premature to discuss the proposed actions in more detail until the action plan has been agreed.

• What if any measures were suggested by other stakeholders that you were unable to support?

(NE) As referred to above, the sub-group has discussed a wide range of different measures and we hope that the final plan will be published in the near future.

• Are any changes to the law necessary to protect the Hen Harrier?

(NE) The Hen Harrier is given full legal protection in Britain under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) and other legislation. It is an offence to kill or injure Hen Harriers, to take the eggs, or to disturb the birds whilst they are at, or near, an active nest.

Enforcement work is often challenging because offences may be committed in remote areas where they go undetected. Even when there is evidence that an offence has been committed, such as a bird found shot or a nest destroyed, it is difficult for the enforcement authorities to determine who is responsible.  A recent Law Commission Review of wildlife legislation has included a proposal to introduce vicarious liability, where the landowner is legally responsible for activities undertaken by employees. The decision to change existing legislation rests with government.

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