In a Talking Naturally Special we talk to the chair of the Hawk and Owl Trust, Phillip Merricks. The Hawk and Owl Trust (often referred to as HOT) are currently alone amongst conservation groups in supporting a Hen Harrier brood management scheme to take place without a recovery in the Hen Harrier population to take place first. This highly controversial decision resulted in the resignation of their president Chris Packham and put them at odds with many professional conservationists as well as everyday wildlife and birding enthusiasts. This is the first in-depth interview with the chair of the HOT and gave him the opportunity to explain the rationale behind the decision and how they would see a brood management scheme working.