This Christmas, we’re raising funds to protect one of Britain’s most persecuted birds of prey — the Hen Harrier.

In 2025, with the help of our supporters, Hen Harrier Action funded four satellite tracking tags to help monitor Hen Harriers across the UK.

One of these tags was fitted to Circe, a juvenile female Hen Harrier born on the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve in Dumfries and Galloway.

Circe being fitted with her satellite tag.

Circe fledged successfully and began exploring her local area. With regular updates coming from her tag, she then moved onto the hills south of Edinburgh.

But on 14 October, 2025 at 14:07, her tag stopped transmitting suddenly.

With no indication of a technical fault, her disappearance was reported immediately to the National Wildlife Crime Unit. Searches were carried out. No trace of Circe or her tag were found.

Circe was less than four months old.

Sadly, sudden disappearances like this often point to illegal killing , the grim reality facing too many Hen Harriers across the UK — despite the species being fully protected by law.

The loss of Circe, whilst tragic, has motivated us even further as a charity. In 2026, we will increase the number of satellite tags fitted to young Hen Harriers in the wild.

Continuing our long-established partnership with the RSPB, this fundraiser will contribute funds to the deployment of 5 additional satellite tags fitted to young birds next year.

Every donation will go directly towards the purchase of the satellite tags (costing between £2500 - £3500 each), as they continue to remain one of the best tools we have to tackle the persecution and killing of Hen Harriers.

In honour of Circe and the many Hen Harriers who never make it home, this 2026 Hen Harrier Action Christmas appeal seeks your generous support to protect the birds still flying.

If you care about our British wildlife and want to see a future where Hen Harriers can live freely without the constant threat of illegal persecution, then please support this appeal.

*Note: Hen Harrier Action is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to the protection of Hen Harriers through scientific monitoring, conservation advocacy, and public engagement to combat persecution and secure the species’ recovery.