The Hen Harrier Day will have Chris Packham, the conservationist and TV presenter, attending it at the RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve. The event will be held on 5t August, at the reserve in Purfleet, Essex, aiming to raise awareness about the illegal persecution suffered by the hen harrier, which starts at 11am and has free entry for everyone.
These spectacular birds of prey have a precarious position now as a breeding bird in Britain. The hen harriers are missing from the vast swathes of the country. Last year the event, the first London and South-East Hen Harrier Day, saw about 600 people join in. Chris Packham will be joined by Mark Thomas and Rob Sheldon. Mark is from RSPB’s Investigation team tackling wildlife crime. Rob is from Birders Against Wildlife Crime, and they spearhead the event. There will also be the local ensemble Peregrina EnChantica performing live their single Forgotten Names.
The Hen Harriet Day has grown from a single rally in Peak District, some three years back, to become an annual fixture with a dozen events across the UK. The rally at RSPB Rainham Marshes overs the London and South East regions. The event takes place during the weekend of 5th or 6th August. The weekend is before the grouse shooting season begins, or the so-called ‘Glorious 12th‘. There will be lots f family activities for all ages, main talks and book singing with Chris Packham. People need not book and can just turn up for the free event, on the day, at RSPB Rainham Marshes, on Saturday (5 August).
