Record number of rare hen harriers killed, RSPB warns

Record numbers of hen harriers have been killed or gone missing under suspicious circumstances in the last five years, according to the RSPB.

- JANE DALTON

The protected bird species is one of the rarest in the UK, known for their acrobatic "skydancing" courtship display over the uplands, such as Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.

A total of 102 the protected birds of prey were illegally killed or went missing between 2020 and 2024 - mostly in areas where grouse shooting takes place, the RSPB says.

Some hen harriers were shot and their chicks were stamped on, while others were poisoned or illegally trapped, according to the charity.

In Scotland, grouse moors are licensed, and conservationists have repeatedly pressured Westminster governments to do the same.

When Labour was in opposition, it indicated that it would consider licensing grouse shooting in England.

MPs are due on Monday to debate calls for a ban on driven grouse shooting after a petition launched by campaign group Wild Justice attracted more than 100,000 names.