Wildlife

Black Grouse Welfare and Upland Lekking Habitat

Black grouse are declining across UK uplands, with lekking habitat loss and predation pressure among the leading welfare threats.

Key Facts

Black grouse numbers have fallen by over 60% in the UK since the 1990s
Males gather at traditional lek sites each spring to compete for mates
Habitat degradation including overgrazed moorland reduces food availability
Predation by foxes and corvids significantly reduces nest success
Supplementary feeding programmes have helped stabilise some populations

Welfare Considerations

Black grouse welfare is closely tied to habitat quality. Overstocked moorland and dense commercial forestry reduce the heather and berry-rich vegetation these birds depend on. During severe winters, poor body condition and starvation can affect adults and chicks. Conservation grazing, predator management, and targeted habitat restoration improve conditions substantially.

What You Can Do

Support upland conservation organisations working on moorland restoration
Advocate for sustainable grazing practices that maintain heather diversity
Encourage predator management strategies that support ground-nesting birds
Report black grouse sightings to local wildlife trusts to aid monitoring