Brood Management of Hen Harriers Update

The Hawk and Owl Trust (HAOT) has long worked with landowners to develop balanced conservation strategies. In late 2014, HAOT formed a scientific advisory committee with three leading academics (Professors Ian Newton, Steve Redpath, and Des Thompson) to guide them on the Hen Harrier’s situation in upland England.

Prof Steve Redpath, a committee member, stressed the importance of evidence-based solutions:
“Finding solutions that work for all sides depends on solid evidence. Relying only on enforcement risks worsening the conflict and possibly further reducing harrier numbers. This would harm both the Hen Harrier and those who enjoy seeing these birds. Surely it’s better to build a plan based on evidence and dialogue rather than trying to force one view?”

Following this advice, HAOT backed DEFRA’s 2016 Hen Harrier Action Plan and Trial. A key part was the Brood Management Trial, which involved taking eggs or chicks from some Hen Harrier nests on grouse moors, raising them in captivity, and then releasing them back into northern England’s uplands.

The Trust’s support came with conditions, including safe satellite tagging of all released birds and a promise to end support if any illegal harm occurred.

Project Outcomes

The 2023 Hen Harrier survey shows mixed results. In 2023, a total of 54 nests were recorded (up from 49 in 2022) of which 36 were successful (34 in 2022). A total of 141 Hen Harrier chicks fledged (119 in 2022). This is a huge increase from just four pairs in 2016. Yet, Hen Harriers are still missing from large areas.

It is widely acknowledged that the illegal killing of Hen Harriers must come to an end. An alternative strategy has been implemented and is showing signs of success, as evidenced by the increasing population numbers. However, the rate of mortality and the disappearance of these birds within their first year remains high.

The Hawk and Owl Trust’s Involvement
As the current licence period ends, the HAOT board has reviewed the charity’s involvement. The Trust knew its participation was a calculated risk but believed its voice could make an impact. While some members had reservations, the Trust felt this project was more important than these concerns.

The Trust earlier this year has reassessed its role based on the project’s outcomes and the latest scientific evidence available. It remains committed to finding practical solutions that balance wildlife protection with human needs, always guided by the best available data and expert advice.

The board recognised that Hen Harrier Brood Management has been controversial, drawing criticism from nature lovers and gamekeepers alike.

HAOT hasn’t directly carried out the initiative but has played a supportive role, offering insights and backing evidence-based solutions to balance wildlife conservation with human interests.
The charity acknowledges the programme’s successes, including more Hen Harrier nests and breeding pairs in England. However, the project has faced challenges and legal issues. Both environmentalists and estate managers have raised concerns, highlighting the project’s sensitive nature.

Despite population growth, Hen Harrier numbers remain low, with illegal culling still a problem. Budget constraints limited the research team’s ability to fully assess the Action Plan’s impact on bird populations, underscoring the need for proper funding in wildlife research and also areas which are no longer managed.

Illegal harm to Hen Harriers and weak law enforcement remain serious issues requiring a multi-faceted approach.

The Trust decided in March 2024 to withdraw from the project at the end of the current licence period and focus on other conservation efforts.

The Trust recognises the ongoing need for collaboration, transparency, and monitoring to ensure the Hen Harrier’s survival. Future success depends on licences, funding, and cooperation between conservationists, land managers, and stakeholders, building on the foundation laid by the initiative.

‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor

20 September 2024 – The Hawk and Owl Trust is inviting local women to connect with nature through dedicated monthly ‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, Somerset. The initiative aims to benefit mental wellbeing and provides women with an opportunity to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of the local surroundings.

Recognising the need for specific programmes that support women’s wellbeing and access to nature, the Hawk and Owl Trust began offering the regular walks in early 2023 to provide a safe, supportive environment for women of all ages and fitness levels. The walks take place on the last Monday of each month, with space for up to 15 walkers each session. Past walks have centred on specific themes, offering an introduction to different aspects of the natural world, such as wildlife gardening and nocturnal critters. Walkers are invited to stay and wind down with a hot drink after the session.

Nestled in the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve, Shapwick Moor is part of a fascinating working landscape celebrated for its rich wildlife, heritage and culture. The Hawk and Owl Trust manage this former arable farmland for the benefit of birds of prey and other wildlife.

The walks are led by Alex Learmont, Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve Warden & Outreach Officer at the Hawk and Owl Trust, who commented: “The Well Woman Walks at Shapwick Moor began in 2023 after several local women approached me expressing a desire to engage more deeply with the nature reserve and its unique wildlife. They wanted a supportive environment to start this journey, and we listened. Our walks have since evolved into a cherished escape – a safe space where women can leave behind daily pressures, connect with each other, and immerse themselves in the calming surroundings at Shapwick Moor as we look out for seasonal highlights.

“Many of our participants find these walks to be a breath of fresh air, a respite from their roles as caregivers or from other challenging life circumstances. Research suggests that UK women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in a park during the day. Our Well Woman Walks are more than just a walk; it’s a chance to share stories, gain strength from shared experiences, and simply feel safe to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature,” continued Alex.

Julie Slater, a regular attendee of the Well Woman Walks, commented: “Attending the Well Woman Walks every month is something that I always look forward to – it gives me the opportunity to learn more about nature and the magnificent wildlife that the reserve has to offer. It also gives me a chance to do something for myself with like-minded women. I always come away with a smile on my face, eagerly awaiting the next walk.”

Warden’s Walks – new monthly walks open to all
Starting this autumn, Hawk and Owl Trust will also be running monthly 'Warden's Walks' at Shapwick Moor, giving visitors the chance to experience the reserve's wildlife as it changes through the seasons. The next walk will take place on Friday 11 October.

Wildlife sightings – What to expect
In late summer and early autumn, walkers can look forward to a rich tapestry of plants bearing fruits and nuts and wildlife species at Shapwick Moor, from Hobbies and Woodpeckers, to Kestrels and Kingfishers, lots of fungi, and a few late dragonflies and butterflies.

What to bring
Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, sturdy walking boots or wellies recommended. Binoculars are also recommended to fully experience the wonders that the reserve has to offer.

The walk will take in a mixture of hardstanding track and grassy fields, with mostly level ground. There is a wooden footbridge and a stile on one of the footpaths, as well as several uneven concrete steps.

To sign up for the next Well Woman Walk, please visit: https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Registration/EventId/68

 ‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ – fundraising event for Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, Norfolk – 27 September 2024

16 September 2024 – A local wildlife photographer and volunteer reserve warden is set to share his captivating account of an extraordinary Arctic expedition at an upcoming fundraising event for the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Fakenham, Norfolk.

‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ is the story of Bob Johnson's four-week voyage on a historic seal hunting boat in the Arctic, photographing polar bears up-close. Setting sail in the summer of 2018, Bob’s journey took him deep into the remote fjords of Northern Svalbard and up to the polar icecap, where he faced freezing temperatures, rugged conditions, and breathtaking encounters with polar bears. His talk will add extra colour to his stunning photographs with anecdotes of life onboard the Havsel – Norway’s last seal hunting vessel and the same boat now mainly used by the BBC to film iconic nature documentaries like Frozen Planet.
A trip to Africa in 2006 sparked Bob’s passion for wildlife photography. Over the years, he has travelled to more than 50 countries, capturing the world’s most incredible species, and was recently named PAGB’s ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ 2024.

Visitors to Sculthorpe Moor might recognise Bob as one of the reserve’s friendly, dedicated volunteer wardens. Since retiring to North Norfolk in 2023, Bob has spent most Fridays at the reserve, topping up bird feeders, helping to maintain the hides, and chatting with visitors about the site’s abundant wildlife.

Bob Johnson said, “I’ve been giving talks to photographers about my travels for years, but this is a special chance to share my Arctic adventure with my local community. I’m very lucky to have Sculthorpe Moor right on my doorstep. My photography has taken me everywhere from the Serengeti to the polar icecap, but I still find immense joy in the diverse array of local Norfolk wildlife that can be spotted on the reserve such as the Barn Owl, the Marsh Harrier, and my favourite, the Kingfisher. It’s an honour to use my experiences to help raise funds for this amazing place.”

Victoria Chamberlin, Education and Activities Officer at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, said: “Bob is not only a talented photographer but also a dedicated volunteer warden who plays an important role in helping visitors get the most out of their time on the reserve. His upcoming talk is another example of that. Bob’s stunning photographs and stories offer a glimpse into a world few of us will ever experience first-hand, but also a reminder that you don’t need to travel far to connect with nature.”

Proceeds from ‘The Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ event will directly support the Hawk and Owl Trust’s conservation projects at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, helping to maintain and expand its work in protecting Norfolk’s wildlife.

Tickets to Bob’s talk at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve on Friday, 27 September cost £10 and can be purchased from https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Registration/EventId/108.

Public donations are essential to supporting the Trust’s work. People can also become members to stay updated on new exciting projects and announcements.