Wildlife

Wild Red Grouse Moorland Welfare

Red grouse welfare on managed moorland involves complex relationships between heather management, parasite control and driven grouse shooting pressure.

Key Facts

UK red grouse populations are managed specifically for driven shooting on moorland estates
Strongylosis (Trichostrongylus tenuis) parasite burdens cause population crashes if unmanaged
Medicated grit providing anthelmintic treatment for strongylosis is used to maintain high grouse density
Burning heather in rotation creates habitat structure required for grouse feeding and nesting
High-density grouse shooting raises welfare questions about population management and individual stress

Welfare Considerations

Red grouse welfare involves complex trade-offs between managed populations and natural regulation. Individual grouse welfare during shooting must be considered alongside habitat management that supports population health.

What You Can Do

Engage with evidence-based debate about driven grouse shooting and moorland management
Support moorland habitat management that maintains heather for diverse moorland species
Report any shooting welfare concerns to the relevant regulatory authority