After another very poor season for hen harriers elsewhere in England, with no successful breeding attempts, the Northumberland population has risen by 10.
Three nests in Northumberland National Park, within Tynedale but placed at a protected location, were successful in producing the 10 young.
In 2015 eight young from two nests successfully fledged and last year six young from two nests fledged.
A dedicated team of raptor conservation volunteers, together with specialists from the partnership, worked together to watch over all of the nests. All of the young birds were checked and ringed, and the partnership is using satellite technology to monitor them.
Andrew Miller, head of programmes and conservation at Northumberland National Park, and chair of the Northumberland Hen Harrier Protection Partnership, said: “Hen harriers are still facing an uphill battle to re-establish themselves in the uplands of England.
“However, with the positive support of all our partners including key landowners, 10 young birds have successfully fledged.
“Working together and using the latest scientific techniques is also increasing our knowledge of this amazing species.”
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