Black Grouse, also known as black game, have undergone a significant long-term decline across the UK with many former strongholds now supporting only small, fragmented populations or none at all.

Habitat loss, fragmentation and changes in land management have been the primary drivers of their decline. Conserving black grouse requires a mosaic of well-managed habitats that provide suitable food, shelter and breeding conditions throughout the year.

This guide:

• sets out the background to black grouse conservation,

• outlines techniques for monitoring black grouse numbers,

• describes the kinds of habitats which black grouse require throughout the year,

• identifies opportunities to improve existing black grouse habitats.