Early signs of successful Hen Harrier season at RSPB Geltsdale

There are early signs that Hen Harrier will enjoy another productive breeding season at Geltsdale RSPB in Cumbria.

The RSPB said last year was one of the bird's most successful breeding season for decades, with four chicks fledged at the reserve near Brampton. In recent weeks several individuals have been seen and visitors are being urged to report sightings.

Four Hen Harrier chicks fledged at RSPB Geltsdale last year (Jeremy Mcclements).

Staff at the reserve said despite the sightings, there was no guarantee the birds would nest. Stephen Westerberg, site manager at Geltsdale, said: "We're incredibly happy to welcome back this amazing species.

"We had a fantastic year in 2021, with four hen harrier chicks successfully fledging from a nest on our reserve, the first since 2016. Although the birds were showing promising signs of territorial behaviour, we are still waiting to see if they are going to nest on the reserve this year."