It’s time to end grouse shooting – it’s time for change

Grouse shooting has long been touted as a traditional English pastime, but behind the veneer of heritage lies a deeply troubling reality. Every year, tens of thousands of red grouse are shot across England's moorlands to satisfy a niche, profit-driven ‘sport’. This practice comes at a devastating cost to wildlife, ecosystems, and the broader environment. It’s time to expose the darker side of this industry and advocate for change. 

The Numbers: Grouse Slaughter and the Costs to Wildlife 

The season ends today – 10 December – but each year, on the infamous “Glorious Twelfth” of August, the slaughter begins again as estates across England host events where thousands of grouse are shot. Data compiled by the League suggests more than 600,000 red grouse are killed annually. Grouse populations are artificially inflated by intensive moorland management practices, including the systematic eradication of natural predators like foxes, stoats, and birds of prey. This is achieved through cruel methods such as snaring and trapping, which indiscriminately kill both target and non-target species. 

The traps used are shockingly brutal. Snares, for example, are thin wire loops designed to immobilise animals, leading to a slow and agonising death. Non-target species, including badgers, hares, and domestic pets, often fall victim to these devices. This industrial-scale persecution of wildlife has no place in modern society. 

Environmental Consequences: Peatland Destruction 

The environmental toll of grouse shooting extends far beyond the death of birds and wildlife. Grouse moorland is often composed of peatlands, which act as vital carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. However, the industry’s practice of heather burning – designed to stimulate new growth for grouse to feed on – destroys these fragile habitats. 

Burning peatland not only releases stored carbon into the atmosphere but also degrades soil quality, increases flood risks downstream, and pollutes water supplies. Burnt and eroded peat washes into reservoirs, raising treatment costs and passing the financial burden onto the public. The irony is glaring: an activity justified as "traditional" is creating modern-day environmental and economic challenges. 

Raptor Persecution: A National Shame 

Birds of prey, such as hen harriers and golden eagles, are supposed to be protected under UK law. Yet, the grouse shooting industry is deeply implicated in their illegal persecution. Hen harriers are on the brink of extinction in England, with only a handful of breeding pairs left. The proximity of grouse moors to raptor disappearances is no coincidence – many birds vanish in suspicious circumstances near shooting estates. 

This systemic killing of protected species is both a national disgrace and a clear indication of misplaced priorities. Rather than valuing these majestic birds for their ecological importance, the industry targets them as "pests" to maintain artificially high grouse numbers.

The Path Forward 

Grouse shooting is not a harmless tradition – it is a practice rooted in cruelty, environmental degradation, and greed. The season may have ended today, but the cycle of destruction will continue. 

It’s time to put the environment, wildlife, and the public good ahead of profits. Peatlands should be protected, wildlife persecution must end, and landowners must be held accountable for the harm caused by this outdated industry. Together, we can push for a future where our uplands are celebrated for their natural beauty and biodiversity – not for the blood spilled in the name of so-called sport. 

Find out more about our campaign to end shooting, and how you can take action, on our shooting campaign hub.