The Westminster debate on driven grouse shooting

Grouse Moor By Andrew Gilruth, GWCT Communications Director

The rise of social media has fuelled the interest in Westminster debates. In the last 12 months there has been one on lead ammunition and another on the use of snares. Now the Petitions Committee has announced that it will hold a debate on driven grouse shooting.

Grouse shooting debate

Unlike the previous two debates, mentioned above, the Committee would like to receive evidence before announcing a date. Whilst they will be hearing evidence, they would also welcome written contributions from people who want to share their expertise on this subject. There are two petitions:

Would you like to inform the debate?

In particular, the Committee would welcome evidence on the following points:

1. Should the law on grouse shooting be changed? If so, how?
2. What effect does grouse shooting have on wildlife and the environment?
3. What role does grouse shooting play in rural life, especially the rural economy?

What will be happening next?

The GWCT will be making a written submission – but so can you. There are some basic format guidance notes here. In summary, write your experience and expertise in Word, keep it under 3,000 words and submit it online here before 5 October 2016. Remember to include:

1) Any recommendations for action by the government or others
2) Any factual information you have to offer from which the Committee:
a) might be able to draw conclusions, or
b) which could be put to other witnesses for their reactions

Want to brief your Westminster MP?

We can expect the Petition Committee to schedule the debate in late October or early November. In preparation for this the GWCT will keep updating factual Q&A papers such as the one here for those involved in the debate. Please do use these to help brief your Westminster MP.

Please help us brief MPs with the scientific evidence

Comments

Petition on driven grouse shooting

at 13:53 on 11/10/2016 by Mike Barnes

Petition: 125003/164851 Driven grouse shooting I am alarmed that a petition of this sort should have reached this stage. One can only wonder how it was couched and how any of those who responded really know anything about moorland management. Or is it more due to a misguided perception of posh toffs at play? The reality is nothing like what the signees imagine or portray. The bottom line is that without management for grouse, there would in fact be neither grouse or heather. Instead the wonderful Scottish and North of England landscapes would most likely be coated in forestry and quickly become bereft of wildlife. Not only would grouse disappear, but a whole host of moorland faunas and flora. With their disappearance local communities would also bid their farewell, schools would close, along with garages and small hotels. The irony is that all of the considerable investment which is needed to maintain these moors comes from private individuals and at no cost to the rate payer. It is purely for the love of the red grouse, a truly wild bird which is unique to the UK and cannot be reared and released like pheasant or partridge. So its existence is entirely down to those with shooting interests, which contrary to many assumptions, come from all walks of life. Mike Barnes Grantham, Lincolnshire

Moor management

at 14:32 on 02/10/2016 by Lord gisborough

Without grouse shooting no keepers would be employed bracken scrub and grass would take over along with carrion crowd and foxes and motor cycles. All wild life would suffer. The Mind has no keepers and is covered with bracken. The Lake District is grass and lambs are attacked by crows. If we want to enjoy the sight of the heather in flower it has to be managed by regular burning and the sheep numbers controlled. Only the sale of grouse shooting can finance the cost involved

Driven Grouse Shooting

at 21:36 on 23/09/2016 by John Hammond

The forthcoming debate in Parliament on driven Grouse shooting is massively important to all those who participate in and support all country sports. The outcome may well determine the future of all game shooting. It is vital therefore that all supporters of country sports give their immediate support to the GWCT in order that M.P.'s are given the real facts ahead of the debate, rather than those M.P's having to rely on the views of the 'antis' , whose non - factual propaganda can so easily whip up the support of those who do not understand how things really are. NOW MORE THAN EVER WE MUST STAND TOGETHER AND BE COUNTED.

Driven grouse shooting

at 13:31 on 23/09/2016 by Ted Williams

Four years ago,I was privileged to walk-up grouse with six friends and estate staff of high calibre ,on a sunny August day .It was the most amazing experience for a sporting-minded farmer! This was south of Lin of Dee. My excitement was incredibly enhanced by numerous other highland species flying,walking, crawling, all on this diverse and well managed ground. My spaniels and I still had legs after shooting , so drove to a car park just north and walked through some native trees on a well trodden path- the tourist route,with numerous other cyclists and walkers.After a mile,spaniels at heel, I walked off this trail for approx six miles. No heather had been burnt and there were only a few signs of wildlife. The difference was shocking. I'm certain it was the perfect example for the defence of grouse shooting. I understand various nature and public bodies actively manage this estate. The difference would still be stark today.Thank goodness for those who provide the highlands with the best story.

Driven Grouse Shooting

at 22:55 on 21/09/2016 by Arthur Branthwaite

For Heavens sake, what's going wrong with this Country Are we to lose all our cherished traditions in the face of false media fed information. Grouse shooting on managed moors provides a welcome habitat for a diverse number of species, including the Hen Harrier which is in the spotlight. what does the Harrier feed on ? Young grouse mostly, no grouse no Hen Harrier! Not rocket science. The rural economy would be decimated, jobs lost, hotels in more trouble, and the huge influx of shooters that come from abroad to shoot a species unique to Scoland would be lost. A huge amount of revenue disappeared . What's next to be on the banned list, tiddlywinks and hop scotch. Wake up shooters, get in touch with your MP, support our Countryside organisations and fight, let's not roll over on this one. Personally , I have never had the opportunity to shoot grouse but on principle will fight to save it .

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