The launch of a new rescue plan by the North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project on 30th April, in the Yorkshire Dales should help to secure the future of one of our most spectacular but endangered birds.

This ground-breaking new initiative, which aims to expand the range of the rare black grouse has been made possible by a new injection of cash from Natural England and a contribution from the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Natural England has been a project partner of the Black Grouse Recovery Project since its inception in 1996 and has made a further contribution of £5,000 to help fund this next stage of black grouse recovery.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the RSPB are joint lead partners for the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan for black grouse, and have established The North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project, which is one of the most successful bird restoration projects in this country. This 12-year partnership project between the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Ministry of Defence, North Pennines AONB Partnership and Northumbrian Water has managed to increase the English black grouse population from just 773 males in 1998 to 1029 males in 2006 – an average increase of 4 per cent per annum.

The next phase of the project aims to replicate this success in two key areas; the Yorkshire Dales and North West Northumberland. Phil Warren, project officer for black grouse recovery said, “The launch of this exciting new initiative is a real milestone in black grouse recovery. We have already hit our Biodiversity Action Plan target of 1000 males by 2010 and demonstrated that through appropriate management we can reverse the decline of this threatened bird. The battle is now on to expand their range.”

Sir Martin Doughty, chair of Natural England said, “Species recovery programmes of this kind are crucial for the continuing success of wildlife in England. Not only does this project highlight how appropriate land management can benefit a particular species, this also shows what can be achieved when different organisations work together for the protection of one of our most important wildlife habitats.

The success of this new initiative is very much dependent on the support of landowners and managers continuing to enhance and provide the right conditions so that black grouse can expand and thrive in new areas. Phil Warren explains, “The remarkable come-back of black grouse in the North Pennines is a huge achievement for all those involved in the black grouse recovery project and we are particularly grateful to the many farmers, gamekeepers and grouse moor managers who have implemented our recommendations such as improving habitats to boost insects needed by young black grouse chicks and controlling generalist predators such as red fox and carrion crow. There is no doubt that without their support and enthusiasm we may have lost this enigmatic bird.”

To expand the range of black grouse, a new Black Grouse Recovery Group will be launched in the Yorkshire Dales. At the launch in July, Phil Warren is keen to enlist the further support of local landowners, farmers and gamekeepers so that they are inspired to become part of this important recovery process and thus help secure the future of the English population.

Phil explains, “In the Yorkshire Dales, black grouse have responded fantastically to management implemented by grouse moor owners, gamekeepers and farmers with an increase in numbers from 58 to 138 males between 1998 and 2006. It is important to build on this success and recolonise former haunts on the southern fringe of their range. The Yorkshire Dales Black Grouse Group will help meet these objectives and we are hoping to enlist the support of more than 50 land managers.”

Media contact: Morag Walker: 07736 124097

For information on the Yorkshire Dales Black Grouse Recovery Group or to join the group, which will meet twice a year to exchange ideas and receive advice and support on managing the land for the benefit of black grouse, please contact Phil Warren, Black Grouse Project Officer, on 01833 622208. Alternatively, for a free leaflet on black grouse conservation, please contact the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust on 01425 651000

Notes to Editors:

1. The North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project is a partnership project between the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, RSPB, Natural England, Northumbrian Water, Ministry of Defence, North Pennines AONB Partnership.
2. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the RSPB are joint lead partners for the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan for black grouse, which aims to stem or reverse the decline of black grouse, increase the range to its 1988-91 levels and prevent further fragmentation of populations within the range.
3. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. We employ 14 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse. For Information, contact: Morag Walker – Head of Media, Telephone – 01425-652381 (direct 01425-651000) Mobile – 07736-124097 www.gct.org.uk
4. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk or contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953.