The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has written to the Welsh Government, calling for a commitment to compile a Wales-specific action plan to better support the nation’s Hen Harrier population. 

Her letter also called for a bolstering of enforcement action against those criminals who illegally kill the priority species. In England, the Conservative UK Government has committed to undertaking targeted action for the recovery of Hen Harrier populations, including publishing an Action Plan through a subgroup of its Upland Stakeholder Forum. 

Commenting on her letter, Janet said:  

“I am calling for an explicit commitment from the Welsh Government to formulate a Wales-specific Action Plan, that is both time limited and includes all relevant stakeholders, so as to better support the nation’s Hen Harrier population, going forward. 

“The number of Hen Harrier pairs in Wales has fallen by more than a third in the six years to 2016, marking the lowest recorded population for over a decade.  

“Whilst raptor persecution is a nationwide wildlife crime priority, strong penalties must also be enforced for this status to feel a reality. Our vibrant and working countryside must feel adequately supported by the legislative protections put in place to protect such priority species.  

“The devolved body in Cardiff Bay must stand committed to levelling-up our rural areas, by looking to develop a rural Welsh economy that is fit for the future. Sensible environmental and wildlife protections, brought about through active stakeholder engagement, will be central to achieving this aim.” 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:  

• Please find a copy of Janet’s letter to Lesley Griffiths MS, attached.