The RSPB in Northern England has welcomed news that one of Britain’s most spectacular birds, the black grouse, is staging a comeback in the region.

Results of a survey released this week by the Black Grouse Recovery Project reveal that the population in 2007 has increased to 1,200 males, a 55% increase since 1998 when the population was just 773 males.

At the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve on the Northumberland/Cumbria border, 17 male black grouse were counted this spring, up from just seven males in 2005.

In England, the North Pennines is the stronghold for black grouse. The Recovery Project’s survey reveals that overall numbers in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding natural Beauty (AONB) have increased by 17% since last year.

This remarkable comeback is a huge achievement for the conservation organisations, farmers, land managers and gamekeepers who are working together to provide a lifeline for the rare birds in northern England.

Article by John Burton 

©Bushcraft Media Ltd. 2007 

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