Black in northern : stemming the decline Philip Warren and David Baines

ABSTRACT The range of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in England has contracted severely in recent decades.A full survey in 1998 estimated the English population at 773 displaying males.The Black Grouse Recovery Project, a partnership project between the Conservancy Trust, RSPB, English Nature, Ministry of Defence and Northumbrian Water, was set up in 1996 to help stem the decline.The implementation of project management prescriptions developed from our research has led to a small population increase, to 895 males by 2002.The project, funded until 2006, aims to consolidate numbers in the core population area, and then to expand the range into former haunts, particularly to the south, in the Yorkshire Dales.

lack Grouse Tetrao tetrix are found begun by the late nineteenth century. Black throughout most of northern , Grouse are now extinct in , Bextending from Britain in the west across and Luxembourg, as well as in many regions of northern Eurasia to eastern (Cramp & Britain, Holland, , , , Simmons 1980). In most European countries, Czechoslovakia, the former Yugoslavia, and apart from those of Fennoscandia and , . In general, the decline is due to a range contraction and population decline had combination of factors, but the most important

© British 97 • April 2004 • 183-189 183 Black Grouse in northern England ones are loss, fragmentation and degra- reseeding to intensively managed dation, which have occurred as a result of and/or a reduction in the quality of remaining changes in land use, particularly agricultural habitat through overgrazing by sheep) and the intensification. fragmentation of remaining habitat patches In Britain, Black Grouse were widespread (Cramp & Simmons 1980; Baines 1994). during the latter half of the nineteenth century and, in addition to their present distribution in Black Grouse requirements , northern England and north , To support a population of Black Grouse an they occurred on low-lying heathland in area needs to contain a mosaic of that southern England, from Norfolk through will provide resources throughout the year. Hampshire and Dorset to , and These should contain Heather Calluna vulgaris throughout most of Wales (Gladstone 1924). By (winter food); flower buds of cottongrass Erio- 1910, they were extinct in most southern coun- phorum (for early spring food); the leaves, ties, except for remnant populations on flowers and seeds of grasses and herbs (for and the Quantocks, which persisted into the summer food); the buds and berries of trees, 1960s (Sharrock 1976). such as Downy Birch Betula pubescens, Rowan Although the decline had begun by the turn Sorbus aucuparia and Hawthorn Crataegus of the twentieth century, the rate of decline and monogyna (for autumn and winter food); plus range contraction in Britain has greatly acceler- insect-rich areas to provide food for small ated during the last 50 years. In 1990, a survey chicks. Our experience has shown that manage- estimated 25,000 (95% confidence limits ment for Black Grouse needs to be considered 13,800-36,700) displaying males in Britain at three different scales: the brood scale, the lek (Baines & Hudson 1995), but by 1996 this had scale and a wider, landscape scale. fallen to just 6,500 (95% confidence limits 5,000-8,100) (Hancock et al. 1999). (i) Brood scale With the loss of the last remaining Black The home range of broods is small, typically Grouse in the in 1998, the English 10-30 ha. The vegetation sward structure population is now restricted to the northern should be varied, with taller heather and rushes section of the , stretching from Wensleydale (North York- shire) to the Scottish Border (fig. 1.). A survey in 1998 found only 773 displaying males in England, although a repeat survey in 2002 showed an increase to 895 males. Survey data from North Wales in 2002 showed a range contraction but, more encouragingly, an increase in numbers from 131 males in 1997 to 243 males in 2002 (Lindley et al. 2003). In northern England, Black Grouse are found in the transition zone between heather (mainly Calluna) managed for Lagopus lagopus shooting and rough grazing managed by hill farmers for sheep and cattle. The major factors responsible for the decline of Black Grouse in northern England have been the loss of moorland fringe habitats (through either natural Fig. 1. The distribution of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix reversion to heather moorland, in northern England in 2002.

184 British Birds 97 • April 2004 • 183-189 Black Grouse in northern England

Juncus for nesting, shrubs and trees as escape Current demographic problems cover from predators, and shorter vegetation for Radio-telemetry studies have shown that the foraging and to allow chicks to dry out fol- survival rate of adult Black Grouse in northern lowing rain. Favoured brood-rearing habitats England is high (72%), in fact the highest have abundant invertebrates, notably larvae of recorded by any studies of Black Grouse in (Tenthredinidae). Europe (Warren & Baines 2002). Conversely, they breed less well here than in other areas, (ii) Lek scale with only 1.2 chicks fledged per hen (Calladine In good, continuous habitat, Black Grouse leks et al. 2002) compared with 1.7 in Wales and 2.1 are approximately 2 km apart, and thus most in the Scottish Highlands (Warren & Baines birds attending the leks are found within 1 km 2002). Weather conditions after hatching is one of the lek. Suitable habitat needs to be available of the most important determinants of annual within this zone at the so-called lek scale. This breeding success. Poor years are strongly corre- represents an area of 300-500 ha, and should lated with high rainfall and low temperatures at contain a mosaic of habitats to provide key the time the chicks hatch, in mid to late June. A foods: (heather), blanket bog or mire combination of wet weather, together with (cottongrass), rough grazing ( clutch predation by Stoats Mustela erminea and larvae/insects), shrubs/trees (berries, buds, Weasels M. nivalis and, relative to Scotland at catkins in autumn/winter) and herb-rich least, few key insects for the young to feed on meadows (leaves of herbs, seeds and buds). (Baines 1996), largely account for the low reproductive success encountered. (iii) Landscape or ‘population’ scale Most young hens leave their natal areas (the Black Grouse Action Plan median natal dispersal distance of females is To help stop the decline of Black Grouse in the about 10 km; Warren & Baines 2002), while cocks , the Black Grouse Recovery and adult hens hardly move at all. This implies Project was set up in 1996. This is a partnership that a group of birds centred on a lek may only be project between the Game Conservancy Trust viable in the long term if they are within the dis- (GCT), the RSPB, English Nature, the Ministry persal range of young hens from neighbouring of Defence and Northumbrian Water. The leks. This degree of connectivity among birds project employs a dedicated project officer from neighbouring leks is essential to maintain (PW), who reports to a steering group of the genetic diversity and to prevent inbreeding project partners. through the genetic and physical fragmentation In 1999, Black Grouse became a UK Biodi- of social structure, gene pool and habitat. versity Action Plan Priority Species (UK Biodi-

102 & 103. Displaying male Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix at a lek in Finland. David Tipling/Windrush Black Grouse in northern England /Windrush David Tipling 104. Female Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix feeding on willow Salix buds.

versty Group 1999), for which the GCT and ticularly important for the management of RSPB are joint lead partners for implementing Black Grouse populations. the components of the plan. Within the frame- work of the Species Action Plan, the Recovery Grazing management Project has the following objectives: During the first five years, work on the Project • To support and implement the Species was concentrated on monitoring the effective- Action Plan for Black Grouse in England ness of management prescriptions to enhance Black Grouse breeding habitats on the moor- • To maintain the overall population size at a land fringe, at the brood scale and at the lek minimum of 800 displaying males (the 1998 scale. The key management prescription used estimate) was to reduce sheep grazing through entry into • To promote the recolonisation of those areas agri-environment schemes such as the Coun- between currently isolated populations tryside Stewardship Scheme (operated by the which were formerly occupied, by 2005 Department for Environment, Farming and • To restore the species’ range to its 1988-91 Rural Affairs) and English Nature’s Wildlife extent (Gibbons et al. 1993), by 2008 Enhancement Scheme. By 2000, within those parts of England occupied by Black Grouse, • In the long term (20 years), to extend the more than 40,152 ha were subject to grazing range and increase population size agreements within the Countryside Steward- To achieve these objectives, the Project has a ship Scheme with another 29,000 ha in Envi- multi-faceted role, which includes providing free ronmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) agreements. advice to landowners, farmers, government and Although there would be some overlap with conservation organisations on management for these two schemes, 26,000 ha were also subject Black Grouse, monitoring the population and to Wildlife Enhance Scheme agreements. These plugging gaps in our knowledge through the schemes provide financial incentives to com- development of a research programme. Here, we pensate farmers and landowners for the report on two aspects, grazing and predator required reduction in stocking levels. One of control, which our research has shown are par- the options of the Countryside Stewardship

186 British Birds 97 • April 2004 • 183-189 Black Grouse in northern England Philip Warren 105. ‘Ghyll woodland’ planted for Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix, Upper Teesdale, Co. Durham, July 2003. The tree species planted are a mixture of Rowan Sorbus aucuparia, Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Downy Birch Betula pubescens, Alder Alnus glutinosa and willows Salix cinerea, S. caprea and S. aurita. Ghyll woodlands provide additional winter feeding habitats for Black Grouse and are particularly important during periods of lying snow; they also provide escape cover from predatory raptors.

Scheme aims to increase heather cover to 40% Predator management by year five of the standard ten-year agree- In northern England, about 90% of Black ment. This can be achieved by restricting Grouse occur on the edge of managed grouse grazing during the first five years to only three moors where gamekeepers are employed to months in the summer, when stock density manage heather and control key predators to should not exceed one sheep per hectare. We maximise numbers of Red Grouse for sport found that reducing sheep grazing (both in shooting. Here, Black Grouse are regarded as numbers and duration) resulted in an average indicators of high-quality upland landscape 5% per year increase in numbers of lekking mosaics, which they share with Red Grouse, males compared with a continued rate of Grey Perdix perdix, European Golden decline of 2% in control (non-agreement) Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Northern Lapwing areas where sheep grazing has remained the Vanellus vanellus, Gallinago gal- same (fig. 2), and 72% more chicks being linago, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, reared per breeding female (Calladine et al. Common Redshank Tringa totanus, Sky Lark 2002). Alauda arvensis and Meadow Pipit Anthus After 5-7 years with restricted grazing, the pratensis. sward can become too tall and thick resulting in This close association between Black Grouse poor chick survival and a decline in numbers and grouse moors strongly suggests that, at least once more. Consequently, we are currently within the open landscapes of the North Pen- undertaking an experiment to investigate nines, Black Grouse and maybe other ground- whether cutting short strips in tall vegetation nesting birds need to be protected from can create more optimal brood-rearing habitat, generalist predators in order to thrive. In this and hence maintain greater numbers of Black area, we are not aware of any meaningful or Grouse throughout the term of the ten-year long-term increases in the numbers of Black Stewardship agreement. Grouse where predators are not routinely managed, irrespective of improvements in

British Birds 97 • April 2004 • 183-189 187 Black Grouse in northern England

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Fig. 2. The increase in the numbers of displaying male Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix at sites in northern England where grazing has been reduced (treatment) compared with the declining numbers of grouse at sites where grazing remained unchanged (control). habitat management. Consequently, inclusion translocating some males. Following years of of appropriate predator control within our high breeding success, ‘surplus’ males in the management prescriptions is imperative to core parts of the range could be moved, rather success. than being shot for sport. We are currently dis- cussing with moor managers the feasibility of The future such an exchange mechanism. To increase the population of Black Grouse in northern England substantially, the crucial first References step is to increase breeding success, by opti- Baines, D. 1994. Seasonal differences in habitat selection mising brood habitats and by controlling preda- by Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the northern Pennines, England. Ibis 136: 39-43. tors, particularly Stoats, rigorously. The latter — 1996.The implications of grazing and predation should be achieved by employing and encour- management on the habitats and breeding success of aging the actions of grouse-moor gamekeepers. Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix. J. Appl. Ecol. 33: 54-62. At the same time, it is imperative to maintain –– & Hudson, P.1995.The decline of Black Grouse in Scotland and northern England. Study 42: 122-131. the current high rates of adult survival. Calladine, J., Baines, D., & Warren, P.2002. Effects of Female Black Grouse disperse naturally, but reduced grazing on population density and breeding in areas where the population is sparse they success of Black Grouse in northern England. J. Appl. Ecology 39: 772-780. may travel beyond the current range boundary, Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1980. The Birds of the where males do not occur. Consequently, since Western Palearctic.Vol. 2. OUP,Oxford. males are normally relatively sedentary, to Gibbons, D.W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. The New expand the currently limited species range it Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and : 1988-1991. Poyser, London. may be necessary, once habitat elsewhere has Gladstone, H. S. 1924.The distribution of Black Grouse in been restored, to facilitate recolonisation by Britain. Brit. Birds 18: 66-68.

188 British Birds 97 • April 2004 • 183-189 Black Grouse in northern England Philip Warren 106. When grazing intensity is reduced (to the left of the fence in this photograph), Heather Calluna vulgaris recovers and key food plants such as cottongrass Eriophorum flower abundantly, creating good breeding and feeding habitats for Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix. Upper Teesdale, Co. Durham, July 2003. Philip Warren 107. This shows another example of a reduced grazing scheme (beyond the fence), which has improved the habitat for breeding Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix. New stock fencing can be a fatal hazard for flying grouse, and this fence has been marked with bird flight diverters to reduce the risk of collision. Upper Teesdale, Co. Durham, July 2003.

Hancock, M., Baines, D., Gibbons, D., Etheridge, B., & and Ireland. Poyser, Calton. Shepherd, M. 1999. Status of male Black Grouse Tetrao UK Biodiversity Group. 1999. Tranche 2 Action Plans,Vol.VI: tetrix in Britain in 1995-96. Bird Study 46: 1-15. Terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats. English Lindley, P.,Johnson, I., & Thorpe, I. 2003.The status of Black Nature, Peterborough. Grouse in Wales in 2002 and evidence for population Warren, P.,& Baines, D. 2002. Dispersal, survival and recovery. Welsh Birds 3: 318-329. causes of mortality in Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in Sharrock, J.T. R. 1976: The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain northern England. Wildlife Biology 8: 129-135. Philip Warren* and David Baines, The Black Grouse Recovery Project, The Gillett, Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 0HA

* correspondence author

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