Twenty-four Hen Harrier chicks fledge at Welsh RSPB reserves
Lake Vyrnwy leads a successful breeding season across three reserves, with 17 young raised at five nests.
Twenty-four Hen Harrier chicks have fledged at three Welsh RSPB reserves this summer, according to breeding results published by RSPB Cymru on 23 September.
Lake Vyrnwy accounted for 17 of the young, raised at five successful nests after six territories were established in spring. Nearby Tanrallt produced another four chicks, while three fledged at Carngafallt further south.
The figures underline Lake Vyrnwy’s importance for the species in Wales. The RSPB says the reserve contains less than 1% of the country’s potentially suitable Hen Harrier breeding habitat, yet supported more than 20% of the estimated Welsh population during the season.
Hen Harriers nest on the ground, using heather and other tall vegetation in open uplands. The organisation attributes the reserves’ value to management that maintains both nesting cover and feeding areas.
At Carngafallt, this summer’s three fledglings bring the total raised since 2022 to 19. The newly reported figures describe breeding outcomes at the three reserves, rather than a nationwide assessment of the Welsh population.
24 Sep 2026
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