The GWCT policy team has briefed MPs ahead of the parliamentary debate triggered by the Wild Justice petition to ban driven grouse shooting. The petition gained more than 100,000 signatures required to prompt a debate, which will take place on Monday 30 June. The wording on the petition, which will frame the debate, was as follows:
“Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that driven grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife.
People; we think grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s extensive uplands.
Environment; muirburn contributes to climate breakdown and drainage leads to flooding and erosion.
Wildlife; the wholesale extermination of predators has a disastrous impact on the ecology of these areas and the criminal practice of raptor persecution has taken place.
We believe it's time to provide an opportunity to implement immediate and meaningful measures to address what we see as an abhorrently destructive practice so that recovery of moorlands can progress.”
The GWCT briefing addresses these points by building on the 2022 audit we did of grouse moor management’s contribution to Defra’s Environment Plan goals. It highlights the fact that concerns that the intensity of grouse moor management (GMM) is permanently damaging the environment and biodiversity are based on inaccurate, incomplete and historical views of GMM.
It welcomes the government’s recognition of the value of well-managed grouse shooting to wildlife and habitat conservation and the rural economy (Government response 16/1/2025) and counters the claims above on the grounds that:
- GMM makes a £47 million annual economic contribution to the rural community with a coexistent contribution to the social fabric and wellbeing of remote rural areas.
- GMM delivers cleaner air and water, contributes to greenhouse gas management and mitigates climate change hazards, notably wildfire.
- GMM supports a suite of red-listed bird species including waders and raptors as well as a unique group of invertebrates. In addition, it aids the restoration of damaged peatlands and their associated bog species through rewetting and vegetation management.
We would encourage members and supporters to email their MPs ahead of the debate.
GWCT’s MPs briefing can be read in full here.
To watch the debate online, visit the UK Parliament YouTube channel.