Crashes in grouse populations in recent years have highlighted the need to better understand grouse population dynamics and the factors that currently influence these dramatic declines. The GWCT has carried out red grouse population and disease monitoring since the 1980s, which has led to a wealth of knowledge and expertise, not to mention the invaluable long-term datasets which this work has created. This puts us in an unique position to help you.
Did you know?
The GWCT Advisory Service not only offers Grouse Moor Monitoring Services in Scotland, but also in Northern England.
Through these services, we can offer your estate everything you need to understand exactly what is happening on your moor. Game bird health is a critical factor in the breeding success of red grouse and our services can help provide the understanding of what is happening to better influence your moorland management for a healthy, sustainable and productive population.
Our caecal sampling analysis service, commonly conducted in spring, determines strongyle worm burdens, which can negatively impact red grouse condition and subsequent breeding success. Autumn gut samples from shot birds offer further insight into parasite levels and possible overwintering survival. These seasonal checks support informed decisions around medicated grit administration and use.
Our shoot day health visits include blood sampling from freshly shot birds, which can identify diseases such as louping-ill presence on your moor, an increasing worry for many estates both north and south of the border. In order to better understand the spread of louping-ill in England, we urge estates to conduct tests in the 2025 season as the disease is becoming increasingly widespread.
Together, our services ensure no aspect of grouse health goes overlooked. With up-to-date research, scientific evidence, and best practice guidance, the GWCT can help you to manage your moor for a healthy, sustainable grouse population.
Why choose the GWCT?
Partnering with the GWCT means you invest in both the success of your estate and the future of grouse moor conservation. What sets our service above the rest is our ability to use our evidence-based approach to turn complex data into practical, tailored advice.
With decades of research and best practice development, our work doesn’t just give you estate specific insights, but it also contributes to an invaluable wider national dataset, which helps us to track regional and national trends. This means we will better understand the driving factors behind successful grouse moor management which is essential for the future of the industry. Not only will you receive tailored advice for your moor but you will also gain a broader understanding of how your grouse populations compare to a national level.
Working together, we can ensure healthier grouse populations and a sustainable future for the uplands.
To find out more about our services, contact us on:
England: advisory@gwct.org.uk 01425 651013
Scotland: scottishadvisory@gwct.org.uk 01312 027670