Wildlife

Black Grouse Welfare at Lek Sites

Black grouse perform spectacular lekking displays at traditional sites, with welfare and population considerations around habitat quality, disturbance and predation.

Key Facts

Black grouse lek from March to May with males displaying competitively for females
UK black grouse population declined dramatically from over 10000 to approximately 5000 males
Lekking sites are traditional and used year after year if undisturbed
Moorland edge habitat with heather, rushes and scrub is essential for black grouse
Inappropriate grazing, afforestation and disturbance have driven population decline

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse welfare at lek sites depends on undisturbed display and adequate nutrition from heather shoots and berries. Disturbance of lekking birds by photographers, walkers and dogs disrupts the breeding season's critical period. Predation of displaying males at accessible lek sites reduces welfare and productivity. Habitat degradation through overgrazing removes the diverse moorland structure black grouse require throughout the year.

What You Can Do

Observe black grouse leks from vehicles or hides at appropriate distance
Avoid walking near known lek sites during March-May
Participate in black grouse monitoring surveys on appropriate moorland sites
Support agri-environment schemes that maintain moorland edge habitat for black grouse
Report black grouse sightings to RSPB and county bird recording groups