The Upland Game Conference, formerly known as the North of England Grouse Seminar, has revamped for 2025 to offer something for landowners, land managers, gamekeepers, and conservationists alike. We have expanded our range of talks to include updates on research and policy, and practical advice that practitioners can take away and use.
This year we have our keynote speaker, Dr. Andreas Heinemeyer from the University of York, shining a light on prescribed burning: claims versus evidence. This talk will provide an overview on heather burning as a moorland management tool and investigate claims around its impacts (and that of alternative cutting or no management) on carbon, water and vegetation in relation to scientific evidence and latest research. The talk will also highlight several unfounded or misleading claims made in relation to peatland management and rewetting based on the available research and ecohydrological concepts, and will address wildfire considerations.
Other talks include a look at research into the louping ill virus found in sheep and transmitted to red grouse by ticks. Dr. Beth Wells from the Moredun Research Institute will discuss the surveillance of this virus and the development of a viable vaccine for sheep.
We then cover policy, starting with recent changes to Scotland’s legislation and what the forecast may look like for the English uplands in the years to come. Our Advisory team will provide guidance on how to proactively address these changes and protect this heritage landscape.
The aim of the conference is to keep practitioners updated with best practice to protect our landscape. It is imperative that those stewarding our landscape understand the research we have and how it can be used for their benefit and the benefit of wildlife.
Tickets are £55 and include lunch and refreshments throughout the day, with accommodations available for dietary allergies.
For more details of the day and to book tickets, click here.