UK Wildlife

Estate Management and Raptor Welfare

Upland sporting estates manage land primarily for driven grouse shooting, with wildlife management practices significantly affecting raptor welfare through both legal and illegal means.

Key Facts

Driven grouse shooting requires intensive predator management on moors
Illegal killing of raptors including hen harrier, golden eagle, and peregrine is documented on some estates
Medicated grit for grouse parasite control has welfare implications for wildlife consuming it
12th August 'Glorious Twelfth' marks the start of grouse shooting season each year
Grouse moor management includes burning that can damage peatland habitat and biodiversity

Welfare Considerations

Upland estate raptor welfare is complicated by the illegal killing that continues on some estates despite legal protection. The lack of hen harriers on English moors with suitable habitat is evidence of continued illegal persecution. The debate around grouse moor licensing directly relates to raptor welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trusts campaigns against raptor persecution on grouse moors
Engage with grouse moor licensing debates in your country
Report any suspected raptor persecution to police wildlife crime units immediately