The importance of Grouse Moor management highlighted by new brochure

The Countryside Alliance's new brochure titled 'The value of grouse moor management' has been produced to help publicise the importance of heather moorland that is managed for grouse shooting. This is a habitat of international importance, and it is thanks to its management for grouse shooting that this unique landscape has been conserved, where elsewhere it has been lost.

The 8 page brochure covers the management processes, flora and fauna, and those involved in the upkeep of these unique upland habitats, and how their careful management benefits a host of bird species. These include curlew, lapwing, merlin and ring ouzel, all of which are of highest conservation concern, and the populations of which are in decline elsewhere.

Adrian Blackmore, Director of Shooting for the Countryside Alliance said: "Grouse moor owners in England alone spend £52.5 million every year on moorland management, 90% of which is privately invested. They provide over 1,520 Full Time Equivalent jobs in rural areas, and those businesses associated with grouse shooting benefit to the tune of £15.2M every year"

"Grouse shooting is at the heart of the British uplands and its economic, social and environmental importance is therefore enormous, but all too often either overlooked, or not understood. This leaflet explains the careful management that is undertaken on these fragile landscapes throughout the year, along with all those involved. For many, it really can be the main economic driver".

"The Countryside Alliance is delighted to be launching the brochure at this year's Great Yorkshire Show, to coincide with 'A year in the life of a grouse moor', a new display in the Country Pursuits Area that has been organised by the Countryside Alliance with the help and close involvement of the National Gamekeepers Organisation."

Please click here to view the new brochure.