Wildlife Welfare

Wild Black Grouse Lek Welfare UK

Black grouse are iconic upland birds whose lekking grounds require protection. Understanding their welfare needs informs conservation management.

Key Facts

Black grouse leks are traditional display grounds reused for generations
UK populations declined by 75% between 1988 and 2005
Lek disturbance during the critical March-May display period causes breeding failure
Upland forestry management that creates forest-bog mosaics supports populations
Recovery programs in Wales and northern England have stabilized some populations

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse disturbed from leks during the breeding season waste vital energy in repeated disturbance responses, reducing breeding success. Individual cocks competing at leks already invest enormous energy in display - disturbance compounds this cost. Reserve management and visitor management during the lek season protects individual bird welfare at their most energetically demanding period.

What You Can Do

Never approach black grouse leks during the breeding season (March-May)
Support RSPB and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust black grouse programs
Report black grouse sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Learn about the habitat management that supports black grouse recovery