Wildlife campaigners are celebrating the conservation efforts of a leading landowner which have resulted in rare hen harriers roosting on its moor.
Adopting nature-friendly moorland management techniques, NG Bailey’s Denton Park Estate, near Ilkley, has reversed declines in birds of prey associated with wildlife persecution by its former grouse shooting tenant.
Hen harriers are one of the rarest birds of prey in England with only 60 chicks having fledged during the 2020 breeding season. This makes the newly-established roost on Denton Moor of national importance to the conservation of the species.
A Denton Park Estate spokesperson said:
“It’s fantastic to see that a number of hen harriers have established a roost on our estate. We take our responsibilities for the moorland very seriously and ensure it is managed respectfully — maintaining an exceptional habitat for all wildlife and plants.”
In addition to the return of hen harriers, peatland habitat on the moor is starting to regenerate, with the expansion of important plant life such as sphagnum moss.
Healthy peatlands are crucial for locking carbon into the ground to tackle climate change, create rich biodiversity and reduce flood risk in the valley below by holding back large amounts of water.
Luke Steele, Spokesperson for Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire’s Moors, said:
“The sight of hen harriers returning to roost is an amazing natural spectacle that must be protected for future generations to experience. It’s fantastic to see these magnificent birds of prey choosing Denton Moor to make their home.
NG Bailey’s conservation drive to restore the hen harrier population in Wharfedale is not only commendable, but represents a symbol of hope for threatened wildlife everywhere.”
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That’s good news. I hope that publicising the existence of the roost does not put it at risk though.
Hopefully this indicates neighbouring estates are easing off a little, let’s see what happens next
spring.
At last an estate which is prepared to break ranks ! Congratulations to NG Bailey and lets hope their roost is followed up by successful breeding. It’s time for others who claim to be ‘good guys’ to come forward publicly.
Well done!, to all those concerned in trying to help establish some natural order in the moors at Ilkley.Let’s hope when spring comes around these magnificent birds will be left alone to possibly breed .
More of this is needed but these birds or their young would not have to travel far to come to harm .
Exactly what the thrill is in shooting little birds with big guns escapes me but whilst we have morons willing to pay for the right to do it so it will continue…….. they need to be shown just how they disapproved of by the majority.
Now they just need to get rid of the driven pheasant shooting, as well.