Written by Andrew Gilruth, Director of Communications
1 Minute Read
In addressing carbon emissions from our peatlands (Grouse shoots accused in climate change alert, Aug 6) we must not forget that 92% of these releases come from; crops, grazing and forestry. In contrast, open heather moorland, some of the rarest habitat on earth, releases just 0.6%. These moors, visited by millions every year, are best preserved and protected by those prepared to invest their own money to manage them for grouse. Nor should we forget that these are the same land owners that for decades refused to accept government grants to carpet these stunning hills with trees or plough them up for agriculture. Had they done so, their carbon emissions would now be 150 times higher. Perhaps it’s time to be proud of the contribution grouse moors make to our national parks and in addressing climate change.