Wildlife

Black Grouse Lek Welfare and Upland Habitat Management

Black grouse leks are spectacular communal display grounds where male welfare is closely linked to habitat quality and disturbance management in upland Britain.

Key Facts

UK black grouse population declined by 78% between 1970 and 2000 though has partially recovered
Males display at traditional lek sites from March to May, often before dawn
Disturbance to leks causes abandonment and displacement of breeding activity
Edge habitats between moorland and woodland are critical for food and cover
Overgrazing by sheep and deer has degraded many traditional black grouse habitats

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse at leks are energetically committed to display behaviour and highly vulnerable to disturbance during this critical period. Flushed birds expend significant energy escaping and may fail to return, reducing breeding success. Males in poor condition due to habitat degradation enter the lek season at a disadvantage, increasing stress during competitive display. Females selecting mates in degraded habitat have lower nesting success and chick survival rates.

What You Can Do

Avoid lek sites in early morning during March-May to prevent disturbance
Support moorland management schemes including heather burning rotation
Advocate for deer and sheep grazing management in black grouse habitat
Contribute to black grouse monitoring through BTO and RSPB volunteer surveys
Support moorland rewilding projects that create diverse upland edge habitats