Moorland Managers Invited to Participate in Innovative Grouse Grit Trial

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Quick summary

Moorland managers are invited to trial a new garlic-based grouse grit made from natural ingredients.
Ecospray Ltd and Denis Brinicombe Ltd developed the grit using Ecospray's patented garlic polysulfide technology.
A one-year pilot on Scottish moors suggested grouse ate the garlic grit more readily than medicated grit.
Estates can contact Ecospray to take part in further research.

Moorland managers are being invited to take part in trials of a new garlic-based grouse grit, as researchers and manufacturers explore innovative approaches to grouse management.

Ecospray Ltd, founded by Hugh van Cutsem in 1998, has partnered with livestock nutrition specialists Denis Brinicombe Ltd to develop a new grit incorporating only natural ingredients derived primarily from garlic.

The grit will use Ecospray's patented garlic polysulfide technology, which is already in use as an authorised and registered agricultural crop protection bio-pesticide. Denis Brinicombe have also been successfully using Ecospray’s garlic active ingredient in their livestock feed products for several years.

Building on initial trials

An initial one-year pilot trial has already taken place on Scottish grouse moors.

According to the feedback received by Ecospray, the early observations were encouraging, with grouse appearing to consume the garlic-based grit more readily than standard practice medicated grit. The preliminary findings have prompted the companies to investigate the product's performance through larger-scale trials.

The aim is to gather further evidence under practical moorland management conditions and assess the potential applications of this new approach.

Moorland managers invited to get involved

Ecospray is now looking for moorland owners, managers, agents and gamekeepers interested in participating in the next stage of the trials.

Interested estates are encouraged to contact the company directly to discuss what participation would involve, including trial arrangements, monitoring requirements and the supply of grit.

The Moorland Association welcomes opportunities for practical research and innovation that can contribute to a stronger evidence base for sustainable moorland management.

Sharing this opportunity does not constitute an endorsement of the product, whose effectiveness remains to be established through further research.