This report presents findings from a survey conducted as part of the evaluation of the Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial (HHBMT). Natural England commissioned an online survey of those who were actively involved in the management of grouse moorland. The survey was conducted between July and August 2024 and received 63 responses.
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 presents the findings of the online survey, including views on the effects of the brood management trial on participating estates, views on the effects of the trial on hen harrier numbers, and explanations for the increase in nesting hen harriers on grouse moors observed at the time.
The survey findings indicate that brood management was seen by respondents as a positive step to enable the hen harrier population to coexist with local interests. However, there might be limitations to what they would be willing to accept in relation to the further rollout of the intervention.