Wildlife

Wild Black Grouse Lek Welfare

Black grouse leks are spectacular communal displays vulnerable to disturbance, and welfare of displaying males and nesting females requires careful access management.

Key Facts

Male black grouse gather at traditional lek sites from February to May for competitive display
UK black grouse populations have declined severely, concentrated in northern England, Scotland and Wales
Lek disturbance causes males to abandon display and can disrupt female mate choice
Predator management and heather management on moorland support black grouse breeding success
Agri-environment scheme payments support moorland management benefiting black grouse

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse lek welfare requires strict disturbance prevention during the February to May display season. Legal protection and warden management enable public enjoyment without welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Observe black grouse leks only at designated public viewpoints, never approaching the lek
Support RSPB and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust black grouse conservation programmes
Record black grouse sightings and lek counts through structured surveys