Share the facts on grouse shooting ahead of Westminster debate

Ahead of the parliamentary debate on driven grouse shooting on 30 June, it’s essential to understand the vital role that managed grouse moors play in supporting our environment, economy and rural communities.

Read our summary below of the key facts you need to know – and share – ahead of the debate, which is scheduled to take place in Westminster Hall on 30 June:

🌿 The environment

1. Grouse moor management is a cornerstone of upland conservation:
2. Up to 1.8 million hectares of upland landscapes are actively managed across the UK.
3. Management practices support biodiversity, with golden plover and lapwing populations up to five-times higher on managed moorland compared to unmanaged areas.

💼 The rural economy

Grouse moors are economic lifelines for remote regions:

1. Estates invest more than £7.4 million every year on contractors, providing consistent income for rural businesses, even in years when no shooting takes place.
2. Across England and Scotland, grouse moors support around 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
3. In Scotland alone, grouse shooting adds £23 million in Gross Value Added to the economy.