Award-winning Wildlife Photographer Richard Birchett Becomes an Ambassador for Hen Harrier Action
Hen Harrier Action is delighted to announce that wildlife photographer Richard Birchett, who judged our Young Wild Photographer competition in 2024 and 2025, has agreed to take an Ambassador role for the charity.
Currently based in Ontario, Canada, but returning to his native Cornwall in 2026, he is a self-confessed lifelong fan of birds of prey, and the Hen Harrier is one of his all-time favourite birds. His short film of Hen Harriers on the Isle of Mull and in the Cairngorms National Park was one of the most viewed highlights of last year’s Skydancer Day event.
Ethical Photography: Wildlife Always Comes First
With over two decades of military service as a Survival Specialist cementing his deep connection with the natural world, he is passionate about the ethics of wildlife photography and acutely aware of the impacts that human presence can have on wildlife.
“Whether photographing a nesting bird or a mammal in the wild, I never compromise the wellbeing of the animal for the sake of a better shot,” says Birchett. “This is not merely a personal preference but a professional commitment underpinned by my licensing obligations and decades of field experience.”
He has voiced particular concerns over the increased reliance on baiting in modern wildlife photography, especially with birds of prey. “I am unequivocal in my stance,” he states. “I have never personally engaged in baiting and I never will”.
In a recent article on his popular blog, he makes a call for a return to ‘fieldcraft’ – the patient observation, understanding and respect for nature that has formed the bedrock of wildlife photography for decades.
An Ambassadorial Role for Hen Harrier Action
He brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Ambassador for the charity. Not only from decades of experience as an award-winning wildlife photographer – including work published in BBC Wildlife Magazine, Springwatch, Countryfile and The Wildlife Trusts among others – but also from his role as a photography tour guide and workshop leader, and running a YouTube channel with more than 65,000 followers.
And with the welcome news of his return to the UK in 2026, he is excited to get started with ambassadorial duties, creating new content, contributing ideas and connecting Hen Harrier Action with his own audience of over 100,000 across his social media channels.
“Hen Harriers have always been a very special raptor for me,” he enthuses. “I have been privileged to admire and photograph these breath-taking rare birds across the UK, and during my stint in Canada, I’ve had many opportunities to observe its close cousin, the Northern Harrier, in action.”
"Restoring Hen Harrier populations is close to my heart"
“Now, working with Hen Harrier Action, I have an exciting chance to get involved with the charity’s work to monitor, protect and restore Hen Harrier populations across the UK, something that is very close to my heart.”
Responding on behalf of Hen Harrier Action, Co-chair Paul Samuels said “We are thrilled to have someone of Richard’s experience and wide-ranging knowledge join us as an Ambassador, and we look forward to working closely with him on future projects.”