Following Natural England’s announcement of a record breeding year for hen harriers in England, BASC council member Ian Coghill has released the following statement:
Data released today has shown another record-breaking year for nesting hen harriers in England. More chicks successfully fledged this year than have done so for decades. The success is down to positive collaboration from a wide range of organisations, led by Natural England, through the ground-breaking Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan.
While there is much more work to be done, results are heading in the right direction. We hope this news today could make the RSPB rethink its refusal to participate in the Joint Action Plan. The more influential partners around the table, the greater the chance of success.
To have 11 of the 15 hen harrier nests on land managed for grouse shooting showcases once again the importance of grouse management to the success of hen harriers.