Illegal killing causes three quarters of deaths of adult protected hen harriers, report finds

New research shared exclusively with this programme shows that one of the UK’s most at-risk birds is being slaughtered on land used for grouse shooting.

Up to 75% of adult hen harriers are being killed on grouse moors, according to the new study by the RSPB.

The wildlife crime results from the harrier preying on grouse.

As Scotland considers licencing shooting estates, the report is likely to increase calls for a similar response in England.