Record year for hen harrier chicks at reserve

The highest number of hen harrier chicks have fledged at a nature reserve in Cumbria since records began more than 100 years ago.

RSPB Geltsdale said 13 chicks fledging from three nests at its reserve was a "remarkable achievement" considering their red-list endangered status.

The illegal killing of hen harriers has impacted the population levels and has made them one of the most threatened birds of prey in the UK, the RSPB said.

The site's reserve manager, Ian Ryding, said despite the project's "amazing success", he feared the birds would be targeted on grouse moors, given the disappearance of two breeding males who were suspected of being killed in 2025.

The protected bird species, known for their acrobatic "skydancing" courtship displays, were hunted to extinction in England by 1900.

Despite hen harriers returning to the north Pennines in the 1950s, the RSPB said illegal killings were continuing.

Staff at Geltsdale said it had set up special feeding stations to minimise the birds preying on grouse.

The 13 chicks - the most fledglings since records in the area began - are due to be tagged so their progress can be tracked.

Ryding said: "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 evidence that some of these birds will be targeted on grouse moors.

"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," he added.

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