Did you Know?
This iconic upland bird is exceptionally rare, and steps have been taken nationally to increase its population. The National Landscape is one of the most important areas in England for breeding hen harriers. In 2023 around 22% of the breeding population nested in the area. Land owned by the water utility company, United Utilities, is a stronghold for breeding pairs. In 2022, 39 chicks fledged from 11 nests. With an additional 3 nests on other moorland estates, it was the first time in over 10 years that the Bowland Fells SPA has reached the minimum number of breeding pairs for which it was designated. For the population to thrive, more of the Bowland Fells need to provide suitable habitat and incidences of persecution must be reduced and ultimately cease in the wider countryside.
