FAQs: Grouse Moor Gamekeepers & Moorland Management
- Rob Beeson
- May 22
- 4 min read
These frequently asked questions are taken from this report: Wildlife Warden, Conservation Manager, Fire Fighter, and Educator: The Grouse Moor Gamekeeper in England in the 21st Century
What environmental benefits are associated with grouse moor management?
How does grouse moor management impact bird populations, especially red-listed species?
How does grouse shooting contribute to community well-being and social networks?
What is the potential contribution of English grouse moors to the UK's 30by30 conservation target?
What are the economic impacts of grouse moor management?
Grouse moor management generates significant economic activity, particularly in rural and often remote areas. Based on a study of 58 moors, annual expenditure is estimated at approximately £47 million in years when shooting takes place.
This figure rises to an estimated £121 million across all 140 Regional Moorland Group (RMG) moors. This includes income from shooting fees (around £36.8 million for the 58 moors in a good year), expenditure with contractors for various services (estimated at £7.4 million for the 42 moors providing data), and associated spending by participants and support staff on accommodation, meals, and local businesses (approximately £2.8 million for the 58 moors).
The study highlights that this economic activity is crucial for local businesses, with a significant portion of expenditure occurring within a 20-mile radius of the moors. Even in years when shooting is not possible, expenditure on contractors continues, demonstrating a consistent economic contribution.
What environmental benefits are associated with grouse moor management?
Grouse moor management, primarily carried out by gamekeepers, contributes substantially to environmental conservation and habitat management. The 58 moors surveyed actively manage over 273,000 acres of vegetation annually through controlled burning, mowing, and grazing.
Furthermore, since 2021, these moors have undertaken habitat improvement work on over 186,000 acres, including peatland restoration, rewetting, bracken management, and tree planting. This management is vital for maintaining the unique heather moorland environment, which is globally significant, with the UK holding an estimated 75% of the world's heather moorland.
The work is also critical for supporting diverse flora and fauna, particularly ground-nesting birds.
How does grouse moor management impact bird populations, especially red-listed species?
Grouse moor management has a significant positive impact on bird populations, especially red-listed species like curlews and lapwings. The study found that the 58 moors surveyed, covering less than 450,000 acres, successfully fledged young equivalent to approximately 12% of the UK curlew population and nearly 9% of the UK lapwing population over the last three years.
Extrapolating to the 140 RMG moors suggests they support approximately 53% of the UK curlew population and 42% of the UK lapwing population. Peer-reviewed research indicates that waders are found in higher numbers and more frequently on grouse moors compared to non-grouse moors.
The active habitat management and predator control undertaken by gamekeepers are crucial for the survival of these increasingly rare ground-nesting birds.
What is the social role of grouse moor gamekeepers?
Grouse moor gamekeepers play a multifaceted social role within their communities and for visitors to the moors. They are actively involved in educating the public about their work through formal events and informal interactions.
Gamekeepers also work closely with local farmers, graziers, and landowners to manage the moorland effectively, leading to positive outcomes such as reduced livestock predation and improved disease control.
Their constant presence on the moors means they frequently assist members of the public who are lost, injured, or in need of rescue, as well as dealing with incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime.
How does grouse shooting contribute to community well-being and social networks?
Participation in activities associated with grouse shooting has been shown to have positive impacts on the social lives, work lives, health, and well-being of those involved. It contributes to a strong sense of rural identity among participants and fosters the development of social and community networks through shared experiences and a sense of belonging.
The activity also facilitates inter-generational connection, bringing together people of various ages. The study suggests that participation in driven grouse shooting may even contribute to reducing loneliness, particularly among disadvantaged individuals, providing social benefits at no cost to the taxpayer as the activity is funded by those who participate.
What challenges do grouse moor gamekeepers face?
Gamekeepers face significant challenges, including threats, insults, and assaults while carrying out their duties, particularly in areas like the Peak District. The study recorded over 1,000 threats, over 1,500 insults, and 30 physical assaults on gamekeepers and their families within a 12-month period.
They also experience financial loss and mental health issues as a result of crime and intimidation, including poaching, burglary, theft, livestock worrying, and property damage. Despite these challenges, gamekeepers are actively involved in reporting incidents to the police and assisting in crime prevention efforts.
How do gamekeepers manage the moorland environment?
Gamekeepers employ a variety of methods for managing the moorland environment. This includes active vegetation management through controlled burning, mowing, and grazing to maintain the unique heather habitat that supports grouse and other species.
They also undertake specific habitat improvement projects such as reseeding, rewetting, peat restoration, and bracken management. Gamekeepers actively survey and monitor various animal species, diseases, and parasites to maintain the health of the ecosystem.
Additionally, they implement methods to reduce tick numbers, which are prevalent in upland areas and can transmit diseases to both animals and humans.
What is the potential contribution of English grouse moors to the UK's 30by30 conservation target?
The 140 RMG moors cover an extensive area, estimated at over 1 million acres, which is significantly larger than the combined area of all National Nature Reserves and RSPB reserves in England. These moors already include a substantial area designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which contributes to the 30by30 target.
Given the significant environmental management and habitat improvement undertaken by gamekeepers, the study strongly suggests that many areas within the RMG moors, even those without existing SSSI designation, could contribute significantly to England's 30by30 target of protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030. The report recommends assessing the contribution of RMG moors to this target as a matter of urgency.
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