Cautious optimism as record year for Hen Harrier chicks at RSPB Geltsdale

Thirteen Hen Harrier chicks have successfully fledged at RSPB Geltsdale in Cumbria. The remarkable achievement marks the highest number of Hen Harrier chicks to fledge at the nature reserve in a single breeding season since records began more than a century ago. It reflects the dedication of reserve staff and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to protect nesting birds and support the adults as they raised their young. 

The success offers hope for the species’ recovery, but illegal persecution remains a major threat for this spectacular bird of prey. Once hunted to extinction as a breeding bird in England by 1900, Hen Harriers returned to the north Pennines in the 1950s. However, the illegal killing of these amazing birds, that are celebrated for their sky dancing, has continued and to this day they still are only found at a handful of sites in England.  

Despite this year's success, illegal persecution continues to limit the recovery of Hen Harriers in England. This year at Geltsdale, staff set up Natural England-licensed diversionary feeding stations. This well-established technique is used to minimise the adults preying on grouse on neighbouring shooting estates when they are feeding their young. Staff also actively monitored the nesting sites day and night to minimise disturbance, working around the clock.  

Celebrating the news, Ian Ryding, reserve manager at RSPB Geltsdale said: 

“Hen Harriers are amazing birds, their sky dancing as the male passes food to the female is a spectacular sight everyone visiting the Cumbria should have the chance to see. But sadly, even as we celebrate this amazing success that should be giving us hope for the future of a Red-listed species, there is the spectre that these birds will soon be targeted by those who think nothing of killing our wildlife when it threatens their profits.  

“By supporting both parents we have seen three nests thrive and 13 chicks fledge, the most for at least a century in this part of the world. We hope to see these chicks return in future years to raise their own families, but unfortunately we fear that for that to happen we will need to see more done to stop the illegal killing of these special birds.”   

According to Government estimates, England's uplands have the capacity to support at least 300 pairs of Hen Harriers. Yet the species remains on the UK Red List and far below its potential population size.  

Evidence gathered over many years continues to show that illegal persecution is one of the principal barriers to recovery, with many birds disappearing in and around areas managed for grouse shooting. The RSPB is therefore calling for the introduction of licensing for gamebird shooting across the UK.  

A licensing system, similar to that introduced for grouse moor management in Scotland in 2024, would be a proportionate and cost-effective measure aimed at deterring wildlife crime and helping to secure a future for Hen Harriers. Without further action, conservation successes such as this year's record breeding season at RSPB Geltsdale risk remaining the exception rather than becoming the norm.  

This year’s success at RSPB Geltsdale is an amazing and much needed success for Hen Harriers, and a credit to the hard work of the people involved in helping these birds get the best possible start to life. A number of the chicks have already been tagged so their progress can be tracked as they set out into the world.  

Ian Ryding concluded: “For now, thirteen young Hen Harriers taking to the skies above Geltsdale is a reason to celebrate. The challenge is ensuring they survive long enough to return and raise families of their own.”