Is there hope for the UK's birds of prey?

Birds of prey are some of the UK’s most spectacular, inspirational species.

From immense speed and agility, to dramatic soaring and grace, these species bring forth excitement and awe for anyone lucky enough to witness their behaviour in the wild.

Why are birds of prey important?

• THEY ARE VITAL TO THE UK’S BIODIVERSITY: Their role in controlling population numbers of prey species such as voles and mice is important ecologically, as these species can cause large amounts of field disturbance in high numbers.

• THEY ARE GOOD INDICATORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: If birds of prey are present in large numbers, it could indicate that there is plenty of food available and as such the food chain is stable and healthy.

• THEY ATTRACT TOURISTS: Species such as: golden eagle, red kite, hen harrier, goshawk, and osprey, to name just a few are incredible species, and as such they are very popular, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year. For example the RSPB quotes 'An estimated 290,000 people visit osprey-watching sites in the UK each year' - these people help boost local economies.

Despite their significance, birds of prey have long been persecuted by man-kind, which, added to habitat loss, and the increased build up of pesticides and poisons in the environment, led to large population declines, particularly throughout the 19th century. Indeed, of the 15 species present in the UK, 11 are now classified as vulnerable. Today, humans still pose a threat to these species, particularly as they become rarer; capture for falconry, secondary poisoning, and most of all through persecution - poisoning and shooting by gamekeepers and farmers, particularly in the uplands.

There is however hope. Over the last century, most of the bird populations have recovered significantly; namely due to protection by law, the creation of commercial forestry plantations (suitable habitat), and through reintroduction and monitoring programmes.

One such monitoring programme is carried out by an organisation known as BORG, whose mission is to aid the successful population recovery of species such as barn owls and raptors. This organisation provides safe and secure places to roost, and engages with local people to further improve the environment for these incredible species. Thanks to many conservation organisations and charities like BORG, these species may once again increase in abundance, and form stable populations once more.

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