Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Black Grouse Conservation

Black grouse have undergone significant decline in the UK but are recovering in areas with targeted habitat management.

Key Facts

UK black grouse population has declined by 70% since the 1970s due to habitat change
Upland moorland edge habitat with bilberry and cottongrass is essential for black grouse
Lekking (communal display) behaviour is sensitive to disturbance and requires protection
RSPB and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust programs have reversed declines in target areas
Black grouse benefit from managed heather moorland and forest edge habitats

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse conservation prevents the extinction of a spectacular native species. Targeted habitat management and disturbance reduction protect individual black grouse welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and GWCT black grouse recovery programs
Respect exclusion zones around known lek sites during breeding season
Report black grouse sightings to population monitoring programs