Watch video of rare bird of prey on Lancashire nest, as reports show increase in hen harrier chicks

One of the country’s rarest birds of prey, which makes its home in Lancashire, is showing signs of recovery.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The prospect of another record-breaking year for hen harrier breeding has risen after reports of successful nests from several parts of the country.

And the Moorland Association today released video of some of the successful nests, including one in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to the association, land managers have reported 24 successful nests on moorland in Lancashire, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria and Derbyshire. Of the 24 successful nests, 19 are on moors managed for red grouse. It is thought that at least 77 chicks have fledged.

A hen harrier pictured in June 2021 at the Swinton estate in North Yorkshire. In 2021, 24 successful hen harrier nests have been reported on moorland in Northumberland, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Derbyshire and Lancashire, including the Forest of Bowland. The figures represent an increase on 2020. Picture courtesy The Moorland AssociationA hen harrier pictured in June 2021 at the Swinton estate in North Yorkshire. In 2021, 24 successful hen harrier nests have been reported on moorland in Northumberland, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Derbyshire and Lancashire, including the Forest of Bowland. The figures represent an increase on 2020. Picture courtesy The Moorland Association
A hen harrier pictured in June 2021 at the Swinton estate in North Yorkshire. In 2021, 24 successful hen harrier nests have been reported on moorland in Northumberland, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Derbyshire and Lancashire, including the Forest of Bowland. The figures represent an increase on 2020. Picture courtesy The Moorland Association

Last year, there were 19 successful hen harrier nests, of which 12 were on moors managed for red grouse and 60 chicks fledged.

This year’s data shows a further improvement in the population, following on from 2020 which was in itself a record-breaking year for Hen Harrier breeding on grouse moors.

The Moorland Association represents owners and managers of more than a million acres of moorland in England and Wales. The association aims to conserve heather moorland by conserving red grouse, and raising awareness of farming best practice, ecology and the importance of the moors.

Read More
How to visit the Forest of Bowland... from the comfort of your sofa.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: “This is another excellent year for hen harrier breeding and the wonderful pictures and footage we are seeing from our members’ moors is truly heartening. Three good years in a row shows that we have the right strategy to help the population to recover to a sustainable level, occupying a much greater area of England.

“The management carried out on grouse moors by gamekeepers provides an ideal habitat for birds of prey, with fewer predators to steal their eggs, and good numbers of prey species such as small mammals and other birds. We will continue to support initiatives that are delivering results for the UK’s Hen Harrier population.”

The innovative Brood Management Trial involves grouse moor managers and conservation organisations working together, under strict licence, to test the best chances of nesting success for this very rare bird.