News

MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO GROUSE MOOR MANAGEMENT

6th July 2004

The Minister for Nature Conservation and Forestry, Ben Bradshaw, was invited by the Moorland Association to visit moorland on Weardale Estate in Co Durham yesterday (5th July). The Minister wanted to see for himself the contribution that moorland managed for grouse shooting makes to the landscape, wildlife and local economy.

Careful control of sheep numbers, rotational heather burning, bracken and predator control provide suitable conditions for a suite of rare and important ground nesting birds such as curlew, lapwing, merlin, golden plover and black grouse. Grouse moors often form a last refuge for many species as their lowland habitats have been lost.

Heather covered moorlands – a dominant feature of AONBs and National Parks - look stunning, especially in August and September when in full purple bloom and are iconic of some of Britain’s most treasured landscapes. Britain has 75% of the world’s remaining heather, and its continued guardianship rests in the hands of those who manage it on the ground.

In recognition of their unique assemblages of plant and birdlife, 70% of England’s grouse moors are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest – that’s one fifth of all the SSSIs in England! As well as ground nesting birds, mountain hares and even water voles find refuge in these habitats.

Said Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation and Forestry: “My visit has confirmed to me that good management of moorland for grouse can have huge benefits for wildlife, landscape value and the rural economy. I was very impressed by the expertise and care of the gamekeepers who manage the Weardale Estate.”

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Added Martin Gillibrand, Secretary for The Moorland Association: “Where grouse moor management does not exist, or has been lost, heather has disappeared. Some 25 - 40% of heather moorland in England and Wales was lost following the Second World War - the vast majority of the remainder, is being safeguarded by grouse shooting interests.”

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