Hen harrier has best breeding year in England for nearly 20 years

Groups hail result as vindication of removing chicks from nests to rear them in captivity

The much-persecuted hen harrier has enjoyed its best breeding year in England for nearly two decades, benefiting from good weather and high numbers of voles.

Grouse moor groups hailed the fledging of 60 chicks from 19 nests across the northern Pennines as a vindication of controversial brood management", whereby chicks are removed from some nests on grouse moors, reared in captivity and released elsewhere.