After a disappointing 2024 season, everyone remained reasonably pragmatic that 2025 was going to be a rebuilding year and this has very much been the case. There have been some moors that have reported good days, but the majority are protecting their breeding stocks for future years. With the lack of activity, this does highlight how much the rural community relies on the economic benefits from grouse shooting. We must also always remember how lucky we are when we’re enjoying this sport in the future. New legislation is also not helping, whether it be legislation on muirburn or the banning of snaring in Scotland. Whilst we always support best practice principles on upland management, there needs to be continued dialogue on working together so there are no hidden agendas. Wasn’t it great to see the support in Westminster from our rural MP’s from all sides of the house against Wild Justice and their recent actions to try and ban grouse shooting.

Our thoughts and thanks go out to all of the upland keepers for their dedication and hard work on maintaining the varied habitats that we all appreciate, which leads to the vast array of wildlife on these well managed moors.

Let’s hope the foundations from 2025 lead to a better 2026 for everyone.