08 February 2023

Major symposium on Scotland’s four grouse species taking place in Perth on 5 May

Capercaillie in woodlandA full-day symposium examining the conservation of Scotland’s four grouse species – red grouse, black grouse, capercaillie and ptarmigan – is taking place on 5 May 2023 at Balhousie Castle, Perth.

This joint event, Practical Conservation for Scotland’s Grouse Species, is to be staged by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the World Pheasant Association (WPA), and generously sponsored by Hampden and Co.

It will examine the main issues and threats facing Scotland’s four iconic grouse species and the vital role they play in the biodiversity of our woodlands and uplands. A line-up of expert speakers and commentators, shortly to be announced, will examine each species in detail in the context of the challenges they face today, emerging and in the future, and the opportunities that we have and steps we must take to support their success or, indeed, survival.

Hugo Straker, Senior Scottish Adviser, GWCT Scotland, says: “Anyone with an interest in grouse in Scotland, whether as a species, their habitat, or in the context of land management, will find this event invaluable. It is, this year, the event in Scotland’s grouse calendar and we look forward to welcoming delegates, in person, from across Scotland and further afield to what is certain to be a hugely informative day.”

Tickets for the day, including lunch, are available now, through WPA, at a cost of £25.00. Early bookings are advisable on office@pheasant.org.uk.

Photo credit: Laurie Campbell


Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact:

Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com