Bird assemblages on the moors

Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group

As autumn temperatures gradually quieten our moors in readiness for winter we thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on the spring and summer and all the special birds that come to breed on our grouse moors. These incomparable habitats with their specialised management provide essential nesting grounds for some of our most valued bird assemblages.

It came as no surprise to see a recent bird survey that revealed endangered curlews are breeding four times more successfully on uplands managed for grouse. Conversely the unmanaged moors of Dartmoor, with no gamekeepers, sadly bore witness this year to an absence of any breeding lapwings at all. This sad development highlights exactly what happens when gamekeeping and beneficial management ends.

Similar extinctions have occurred in Wales on moors hitherto managed for grouse but now with no keepers. Thankfully grouse moor management here in the Dales is still an important aspect of our uplands. This is delivering demonstrable eco-benefits notably high numbers of sustainable and thriving wader populations.

Additionally we have important passerine populations which are in turn supporting cuckoos, merlins and other ground nesting raptors. Please savour these images. They are a record of just how diverse and important our protected grouse moors really are.