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<p>All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which
implements the EC Wild Birds Directive in Great Britain. This provides a powerful
framework for the conservation of wild birds, their eggs, nests and habitats.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Raptor persecution is a national wildlife crime priority, with
the hen harrier one of six species highlighted for special attention.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>Defra established the Hen Harrier Sub-Group of the Uplands Stakeholder
Forum, whose members, landowners and conservation bodies alike, have a common interest
to protect hen harriers. Members have made concerted efforts to engage and develop
a draft Joint Action Plan to help the recovery of hen harrier populations in England.
We are currently working with Sub-Group members to finalise the Plan.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>Defra operates a range of measures to support upland areas, including
English moorlands. These include protection through statutory area designations such
as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In
addition, in 2013 we committed £31.2 million under Environmental Stewardship schemes
(covering around 98,000 ha) for the maintenance and restoration of moorland habitats.
A further £4.1 million was also committed in capital grants for grip blocking. Support
will continue to be provided under the new Rural Development Programme during 2014-2020.</p><p>
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