Upland Heath Enhancement & Hen Harriers at Geltsdale

This project combines habitat management (upland heathland and blanket bog) and direct protection to prevent the local extinction of hen harriers. The project will be carried out over three years. Geltsdale is the only English site outside the Forest of Bowland where the hen harrier regularly attempts to breed. The project will enhance wetland areas at the moorland edge on three sites to provide roosting sites for hen harriers (and will support other BAP species). Heather control will be undertaken on the upland heathland to allow new heather regeneration/ associated heathland plants to provide nesting for BAP birds and small mammals (needed as a food source). Additional staff will be employed to operate species monitoring and protection teams. Volunteers will also be involved in these teams.