Thank you for contacting me about driven grouse shooting.
I understand that many people have strongly held views about this subject. I too want to see a vibrant, working countryside enhanced by a diverse environment. While there are no current plans to carry out a review of the management of grouse moors, I recognise that it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected, and that the country’s conservation laws are observed, which are among the toughest in the world.
It is important to recognise, however, the conservation and economic benefits that shooting sports bring to rural communities. It is estimated that shooting as a whole is worth about £2 billion a year to the economy, much of it in some of our remotest communities, and supports thousands of jobs. The Government believes that grouse shooting is a legitimate activity providing benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation and investment in remote areas, and I agree.
Finally, it is worth noting that all wild birds are already protected from illegal killing by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Raptor persecution, including of hen harriers, is a national wildlife crime priority and there are strong penalties in place for offences committed against birds of prey, as well as other wildlife. There is, therefore, no need for a ban on driven grouse shooting and the Government does not intend to adopt the proposals advanced in the petition.
Thank you again for contacting me.
