RSPB Geltsdale has recorded a century-high 13 hen harrier chicks fledging from three nests — the most since records began over 100 years ago. The charity hailed the result as a remarkable achievement for a red‑listed species but warned that illegal persecution still threatens recovery, citing the suspected 2025 deaths of two breeding males. Geltsdale has installed feeding stations and will tag the fledglings so conservationists can track survival as they press for stronger protections.
Record Year: 13 Hen Harrier Chicks Fledge at RSPB Geltsdale Reserve
A total of 13 chicks have fledged from RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve [Conrad Dickinson]
RSPB Geltsdale in Cumbria has recorded a landmark breeding season: 13 hen harrier chicks have fledged from three nests — the highest number since records began more than a century ago.
Conservation Milestone
The result was described by the RSPB as a "remarkable achievement" for a species on the charity's red list. Hen harriers are well known for their acrobatic "skydancing" courtship displays but were hunted to extinction in England by around 1900.
Continuing Threats
Although hen harriers began returning to parts of the north Pennines in the 1950s, illegal persecution remains a serious barrier to recovery. Geltsdale's reserve manager, Ian Ryding, highlighted the disappearance of two breeding males in 2025, which are suspected to be linked to illegal killing, and warned that young birds could be at risk once they leave the protected reserve.
Hen harriers are endangered and continue to be illegally killed, the RSPB said [Jim Lloyd]
"Sadly, even as we celebrate this amazing success that should give us hope for the future of a red‑listed species, there is evidence that some of these birds will be targeted on grouse moors," said Ian Ryding. "We hope these chicks will return to raise their own families, but more must be done to stop illegal killing."
Practical Steps at Geltsdale
To reduce conflict with nearby shooting estates, Geltsdale staff have set up dedicated feeding stations to minimise the chicks' need to take grouse. The 13 fledglings are scheduled to be fitted with tags so conservationists can monitor their movements and survival over the coming months.
The RSPB reiterated that illegal killing continues to be a key threat to hen harrier recovery and called for stronger enforcement and action to protect the species.
Photo credit: Jim Lloyd
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