The marsh harrier will benefit from the protection and creation of reedbed habitat (2). Egg collecting, nest disturbance and illegal poisoning must be controlled. Prevention of scrub encroachment and the maintenance of suitable water levels will maintain appropriate habitat and deter foxes, the main predator. As this harrier nests in close association with intensive agricultural land, levels of pesticides must be monitored. Research is being conducted on the breeding biology, food and hunting behaviour of the species in Britain and the Netherlands (3).