News

OPEN DAY A ‘WILD’ SUCCESS

Tuesday 10th June, 2008

Yadd Moss Estate, managed by Moorland Association member Alan Kitching, high in the South Tyne Valley, opened its gates on Sunday June 1st to allow members of the public to find out more about the management of this award winning grouse moor estate. 22 visitors braved the wet weather on an 8 km hike and heard how, over the last few years, black grouse have increased to form the largest population in the North Pennines benefiting from the planting of over 2000 native trees; hundreds of metres of eroding drains have been stabilised helping to lock up carbon; the ground has been re-wetted resulting in the golden plover population doubling and newly created ponds have encouraged the establishment of a water vole population. Said Basil Eddershaw and Janet Jameson from Teeside: "We have been keen walkers for years, but never fully appreciated the extent of what goes on, all year round, on a grouse moor to manage and improve the habitat. The managers of this moor and surrounding estates are extremely dedicated to conservation and just quietly get on with it. The amount of hours the gamekeeper puts in, in all weathers, is incredible and we were fascinated by his skills and knowledge of the countryside.” Despite the weather the group got up close to black grouse, four pairs of golden plover and their chicks, oystercatcher and merlin, as well as plants like marsh saxifrage, lady’s smock orchid and spring gentian. The group also found lots of evidence of water voles using the new pond areas. Nick Mason, local ecologist and Peatscapes Field Officer with the North Pennines AONB Partnership said: “People often don’t realise that managing moorland for red grouse is active conservation for a whole host of species as demonstrated at Yadd Moss. The visitors commented that they were thrilled at what they saw and learnt and that they will enjoy their moorland outings so much more now they have a better understanding of the year round work that produces such a rich environment.”

‘Hunting for Ratty’ visitors to Yadd Moss grouse moor hunt for evidence of the newly established water vole colony in ponds created by Moorland Association members. Visitors Meg Rogers (l) and John Almond discussing the benefits of year round grouse moor management for a host of wildlife with Moorland Association member Alan Kitching and Mat Jeffrey the gamekeeper. Standing at a grouse butt.