17th September 2020

Grouse moor owners today described a new report highlighting breeding success of raptors on moorland in the Peak District as ‘hugely encouraging’. In its 2020 Interim Report, the Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative (BOPI) announced encouraging breeding successes for several raptor species in the moorland areas of the Peak District, thanks to collaboration between […]

15th September 2020

The government announced exemptions to the rule of six for England which cover shooting (14th September) and other country sports. Any outdoor physical activity which requires a licence issued by a public body for the activity itself, or for equipment used during the activity, will be exempt from the gathering limits. For shooting, this means that […]

3rd September 2020

Natural England has recorded the best year for hen harrier breeding in England since Natural England’s hen harrier recovery project was established in 2002, with 60 chicks fledged from 19 nests across Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Lancashire in early summer 2020. The success has been down to a number of factors including high numbers […]

24th August 2020

As Defra prepares to announce England’s largest ever peatland restoration scheme as part of its Nature for Climate Fund, new research commissioned by Natural England from Newcastle University suggests the planned grant scheme needs to ensure  that farmers and land managers have the right level of funding and greater control than previous schemes in order […]

20th August 2020

During April and May, 183 gamekeepers, shepherds and shoot managers reported witnessing incidents of gull predation on nests and chicks of three wader species, two of which (lapwing and curlew) are ‘red-listed’ as species of the highest conservation concern. In part, it is the abundance of these precious birds that has led to areas of […]

12th August 2020

The traditional grouse shooting season got underway today despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. A widespread safety initiative, including the use of personal protection equipment, social distancing measures and food hygiene measures, has been implemented to ensure adherence to government COVID-19 guidelines. Plans have been put in place to ensure that restaurants will […]

11th August 2020

On the eve of the traditional grouse shooting season, rural communities have been gearing up to make the best of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans have been put in place to ensure that restaurants receive the first grouse from the moors tomorrow. A widespread safety initiative, including the use of personal protection […]

10th August 2020

University of Northampton researchers conduct wide-ranging survey into economic and social effects of the sport on moorland communities Professor Simon Denny and Tracey Latham-Green of the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton have conducted a new study into the economic and social effects of integrated moorland management – including grouse […]

7th August 2020

Rural communities and businesses are stepping up their efforts to ensure extra safety measures are in place to enable the traditional rural shooting season to go ahead, starting with grouse on August 12th. The provision of shooting makes a £2billion contribution to the UK economy and supports thousands of jobs in fragile employment areas. Up […]

5th August 2020

Date: 31 July 2020 Introduction This document outlines the principles for Covid safe operation of game shoots in England through reference to relevant Government guidance and regulation. It has been produced to assist those managing game shoots to think about and manage the risk posed by COVID-19. It is not exhaustive, and each shoot will […]