The report presents findings from interviews conducted as part of the social science midpoint evaluation of the Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial (HHBMT). The trial, part of the government’s Hen Harrier Action Plan, tested reducing the density of active hen harrier nests on grouse moors via translocation, to reduce the predation of hen harriers on grouse. This reduced pressure on grouse, in theory, was meant to lead to changes in the perceptions and behaviours within moorland communities, and ultimately a decrease in the illegal persecution of hen harriers.
The report provides and evaluation of both the process of brood management and its impacts, particularly in terms of any attitude and behaviour change (and the dynamics between them) amongst those who have participated directly in the trial. The research in this report was carried out by Natural England social scientists and evaluation specialists. It is based on analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews carried out with grouse moor owners, managers and keepers as well as with Natural England staff all of whom had been directly involved in the trial between 2018-2022.
The analysis provides evidence that the brood management trial is changing attitudes and behaviours among those grouse moor owners and keepers who have participated in it and improving their views that hen harrier predation of grouse is manageable. The report also identifies that participants recognise that change in attitudes and behaviours takes time and that different levels of support exist within and across the grouse shooting community for both brood management and coexistence with hen harriers.