Groups call for an end to ‘vilification’ of hen harrier

Two prominent environmental bodies have called for an end to the “continuing vilification’’ of the protected hen harrier.

Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Raptor Study Group yesterday voiced concerns about growing negativity towards this bird of prey from certain farming sectors.

Despite the portrayal of the hen harrier as a threat to farming livelihoods, they said the interests of farming communities in rural areas are much more compatible with hen harrier conservation than recent media reports indicate.