Matthew Heard

Natural England publishes Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Birds, Evidence, Hen Harriers, Licensing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature
Close up shot of a hen harrier chick 's head and neck in profile against a blurred grassy background.

By Matthew Heard, National Delivery Director, Natural England Hen Harriers are one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey. However, they are at the centre of a long-running conflict because they prey on red grouse, which are managed for grouse …

The Bat Advice Service (BAS) – Reforming Natural England’s advice for householders 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Development, Licensing, Natural England, Nature, Protected sites and species

15 April 2026: Blog update In the below blog we said that we were planning to move the Bat Advice Service (BAS) to an online system over the coming year. We want to deliver the best outcomes for both bats …

Numbers of nesting hen harriers in England have risen slightly in 2025

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Hen Harriers, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery, Species recovery
A hen harrier nest with chicks

By Matthew Heard, National Delivery Director Numbers of nesting hen harriers in England have risen slightly this year, according to data collected by Natural England and partners. Breeding figures and regional breakdown In 2025, Natural England and partners recorded a …