Patrick Barkham is wrong to claim that the management of hen harrier broods is “to placate grouse moor owners” (Hen harrier chicks to be reared in captivity to placate grouse moor owners, 6 June).

When the matter came before the High Court last year, Mrs Justice Lang DBE was unequivocal that “it is abundantly clear from the evidence that Natural England’s purpose in licensing the brood management scheme was to seek to further the conservation of hen harriers through research, not to protect grouse chicks or the grouse moor industry.”

Those who wish to see more hen harriers should welcome all aspects of Defra’s recovery plan.

Sir Jim Paice
GWCT Chairman