Wild Black Grouse Lek Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Black grouse populations have declined dramatically in the UK - their welfare is tied to heather moorland, scrub, and boggy grassland management.

Key Facts

UK black grouse populations have declined by over 90% since the mid-20th century
Lekking males display at traditional display grounds with up to 30-40 males at peak sites
Females visit leks to select mates - lek welfare depends on undisturbed gathering sites
Disturbance during lekking by people and dogs causes significant welfare disruption
Black grouse require a mosaic of habitats including heather, woodland edge, and boggy grassland
Conservation projects in Wales, northern England, and Scotland have stabilised some populations

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse lek welfare requires undisturbed traditional display sites. Repeated human disturbance disrupts the social display function of leks and causes females to avoid sites, reducing reproductive success. Wildlife watching codes emphasise observation from distance using binoculars and avoiding approach to active leks.

What You Can Do

Follow black grouse watching codes - observe from distance and never approach active leks
Support RSPB Black Grouse Recovery Project and upland habitat management
Participate in black grouse lek count surveys run by local wildlife groups
Keep dogs under close control on moorland during the spring lekking season
Advocate for sensitive land management around known black grouse lek sites