Black Grouse Welfare on UK Upland Moorland: Lek Sites and Habitat

Black grouse have declined severely in UK uplands and require specific habitat management to support both welfare and population recovery.

Key Facts

UK black grouse population has declined from over 25000 to around 5000 males
Males gather at traditional lek sites from March to May for competitive displaying
They require a mosaic of heather, bilberry, rushes, and woodland edge for year-round needs
Overgrazing by red deer and sheep has degraded suitable habitat extensively
RSPB and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust management has stabilised some populations

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse welfare at lek sites is affected by disturbance from birdwatchers, walkers, and dogs during the sensitive breeding period. Males injured during lek combat lose welfare through pain and reduced ability to feed and compete. Habitat degradation reduces the food diversity black grouse require across seasons. Chick mortality from cold and wet weather in years of poor insect emergence creates welfare costs in breeding populations. Conservation management maintaining heather structure, bilberry cover, and woodland edge directly improves individual welfare and breeding success.

What You Can Do

Maintain minimum 200-metre distance from black grouse lek sites during March to May
Support RSPB and GWCT black grouse habitat management on upland estates
Advocate for deer and sheep grazing management protecting upland vegetation diversity
Back agri-environment scheme payments for black grouse habitat management
Report black grouse sightings to BTO and relevant county bird recorders