Breeding Success For Marsh Harrier Pair

For the first time, Marsh Harrier chicks have successfully fledged the nest at RSPB Scotland’s Mersehead nature reserve in Dumfries and Galloway.

Marsh Harriers were once extinct in the UK, but populations have recovered across the last 50 years. Breeding pairs are still rare in Scotland, and only a few breeding attempts have ever been recorded in the Dumfries and Galloway area. 

Colin Bartholomew, RSPB Scotland Mersehead Site Manager, said: “Having two Marsh Harrier chicks fledge here for the first time is incredibly exciting and begins to reveal how the vital conservation work our charity delivers on nature reserves can help species thrive. 

“Breeding attempts for this remarkable bird are few and far between in Scotland. We have had ambitions to attract Marsh Harriers to the nature reserve for decades. Through developing reedbed habitat we are helping these and other species thrive at Mersehead. In the future, we hope to see even more incredible wildlife take-off at the site.” 

You can discover more about RSPB Scotland’s Mersehead nature reserve at rspb.org.uk/mersehead