A trial rebuilding the population of endangered Hen Harriers in England has seen a significant increase in the number of chicks reared and released.

Improving numbers coincide with the introduction of the Hen Harrier recovery plan in 2016, and the brood management trial two years later.

The trial has so far seen 58 chicks take flight in all - with 24 released this year.

Estates in Cumbria and beyond have participated in the trial, with Moorland Association members hosting other wild nests.

Monitoring reveals that birds reared in previous years have successfully bred in the wild, and now the population in England is at its highest in a century.

The trial involves rearing eggs and chicks at a specialised bird of prey centre, returning them to pens in grouse moors and then releasing them.

Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association, said: “The trial has been far more successful than expected and is making a significant contribution to achieving a self-sustaining population of Hen Harriers in the uplands of England. I am grateful to all those involved, including gamekeepers and estates who put in a huge effort to help ensure these birds have the best possible chance of fledging chicks successfully both in temporary captivity and the wild.”