News

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ENGLISH NATURE - HISTORIC AGREEEMENT

25th June 2002

News Release
Date: Tuesday 25th June, 2002


THE FUTURE IS PURPLE FOR HEATHER MOORLAND


The Moorland Association and English Nature have signed an historic agreement today, (25th June) which recognizes the considerable contribution that management of heather moorland for grouse shooting makes to the conservation of this internationally important habitat and the wildlife it supports. The two bodies will now work together to secure the sustainable future of the remaining heather moorland in England.

Said Simon Bostock, Chairman of the Moorland Association: ¡§The Memorandum of Understanding between our organisations sets out a three year action plan to safeguard and enhance the conservation value of moorland whilst retaining the sporting interest of grouse moors. The value of sympathetic burning regimes, for example, is recognised by us all, but work is required at the local level to define best burning practices. We will also work together to end the unlawful disturbance and persecution of hen harriers by promoting the implementation of all the UK Raptor Working Group recommendations, in particular legal management practices that aim to reduce the impact of birds of prey on red grouse populations. Further discussions will also take place to assess the impacts of public access on grouse moor management and the conservation of wildlife¡¨

Said Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of English Nature: ¡§English Nature welcomes this initiative and acknowledges the considerable contribution that management for grouse shooting over the last 150 years has made, and is making, to the conservation of heather moorland and a range of nationally and internationally important species in England. Many grouse moors have national or international designations, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation for habitats such as wet and dry heath and blanket bogs, and Special Protection Areas for birds such as golden plover, hen harrier, merlin and curlew.¡¨
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In the document, English Nature also recognises the very significant contribution that moorland gamekeepers make to integrated moorland management and can make to achieving the Government¡¦s wildlife targets on grouse moors including achieving favourable condition on 95% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest by 2010.

English Nature further acknowledges the work of Moorland Association members in the Memorandum for:
„h The long-term success in preventing large-scale afforestation and agricultural intensification of heather moorland.
„h Fostering a harvestable surplus of red grouse, that has provided and continues to provide the capital value, income and incentive for the maintenance of heather moorland.
„h The contribution that grouse shooting makes to the local economy and the retention of employment and skills in the uplands.

In addition, recent research shows some moors managed for grouse have higher densities of breeding golden plover, curlew and lapwing than moors not managed for grouse.

Further issues to be addressed and action to be taken through the Moorland Association and English Nature working together include:
„h The contribution and effectiveness of environmental land management grant schemes, including further development and refining of English Nature¡¦s Wildlife and Enhancement Scheme.
„h Identifying the extent and nature of heather moorland SSSIs which are in unfavourable condition and addressing the causes and effective remedies to improve these areas.
„h Investigating and identifying a joint large scale demonstration project to show whether good moorland management practice can be compatible with red and black grouse, birds of prey populations and other upland biodiversity.

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For further press information Sue Ellis, English Nature Press Officer on: 01733 455 190.


Notes to Editors

English Nature is the Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. The three year action plan of the memorandum of Understanding seeks to deliver the ¡¥Actions¡¦ in their State of nature: The Upland Challenge. More can be found out about English Nature on their website www.english-nature.org.uk

The Moorland Association is a membership organisation comprising of moorland owners and managers and represents 750,000 acres of the remaining 800,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales. Further information is available on www.moorlandassociation.org