Black grouse have declined dramatically across the UK and now survive primarily in northern England and Scotland where targeted management of moorland, woodland edge and heather habitats supports populations.
Black grouse welfare is determined by habitat quality that provides adequate food, shelter and predator escape opportunities through the annual cycle. Winter welfare is particularly dependent on access to nutritious browse such as bilberry and heather shoots. Supplementary feeding at winter roost sites has supported welfare and survival at some managed sites.