Four years after the start of the species protection programme for the western marsh harrier, a team of area co-ordinators, company planners, field bird experts and farmers has managed to create 326 hectares of suitable habitat. This involves so-called ‘bird boxes’ and ‘bird food crop rotation’, which farmers create with a management agreement with the Flemish Land Agency. Rare species such as the short-eared owl and the hen harrier benefit greatly from the measures.

The marsh harrier has had three breeding cases in four years. All the results of four years of species protection are beautifully summarised in a final report. But the story does not end here.  Flanders has set the bar higher and is aiming for 15 breeding pairs. Nature and Forests is therefore preparing an extension of the hen harrier species protection programme.