Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan
- Published on: 17 June 2026
- Last updated on: 17 June 2026
Introduction
The Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan (HHTRP) 2024-2028 sets out a roadmap to reverse the decline of Hen Harrier and improve its long term prospects. The Plan was developed by an Interdepartmental Steering Group, chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).
The Plan describes the particular threats faced by this rare bird of prey and details a series of co-ordinated actions across the agriculture, forestry and wind energy sectors to improve its long term prospects. It involves strategic engagement with relevant departments and stakeholders to restore nature in important habitats for Hen Harrier. The Plan recognises the importance of landowners and farming communities in improving the habitat for the Hen Harrier and the need for supports and incentives to engage them in conservation.
Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan Annual Implementation Report 2025
The Annual Implementation Report 2025 for the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan 2024 – 2028 outlines the progress made in the implementation of the Plan to the end of June 2025. The report has been prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with input provided by the members of the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan Interdepartmental Steering Group (IDSG) on the implementation of their actions.
Implementation of the Plan is progressing through strengthened governance structures and cross-sector collaboration with key stakeholders, and with increased engagement across these sectors to support conservation action. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NPWS and Coillte was agreed in September 2024, allowing for the establishment of a collaborative framework to deliver conservation actions for Hen Harrier on Coillte ’s land. A NPWS HHTRP Delivery Working Group was established to drive delivery of NPWS on-the-ground actions in each of the SPAs, with an initial focus in Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA. Enhanced monitoring and nest protection measures were implemented in the SPA in 2025. Progress made in this SPA will inform subsequent delivery elsewhere in the SPA network and beyond.
A mid-term review of the Plan will be undertaken later in 2026, with actions updated as necessary to respond to pressures and threats.
