A 24 hour nest protection operation is gearing up to be ready if Hen harriers once again nest in North East England this spring. Last year a pair of hen harriers successfully raised five chicks at a nest in Northumberland’s Tynedale, thanks to a 24-hr guard that protect the precious nest from disturbance. The RSPB and Forestry Commission have teamed up again this year, and trained volunteers and staff will be on standby to watch over the nest area if the harriers return.