MONITORING AND PROTECTING BIRDS OF PREY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT
The Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative was originally set up in 2011 by the Peak District National Park Authority to monitor the region’s key birds of prey and improve their numbers to levels not seen since the 1990s. This work is now continued by other members of the initiative, independently of the Authority.
Following the British Trust for Ornithology’s recent breeding bird survey, which monitored numbers across the Peak District from 2005 to 2018, it was demonstrated that there had been a significant increase in raptor numbers across the park in line with national recovery. Some raptors have even increased tenfold since 2005.
This great success story reflects the pioneering work and tireless effort put in by land managers, ornithologists, conservationists and gamekeepers working across the national park.
The Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative is not associated with the Peak District National Park Authority and works with all interested parties.
The Peak District is leading the way on the national recovery of Hen Harrier populations. Between 2018 and 2021, there was an 800% increase in the number Hen Harrier chicks fledged nationally following the introduction of the management licence.
“The hen harrier is an indicator of the health of our upland environment”
Duncan Orr Ewing - Head of Species and Land Management, RSPB Scotland
