Alternatives

The 3 million acres of grouse moors in the UK uplands, currently managed for red grouse shooting, could be transformed into multifunctional landscapes that balance biodiversity, carbon storage, sustainable agriculture, and community needs. Here are potential alternatives for land use:

1. Native Woodland Restoration

• Benefits: Restoring native woodlands (e.g., Scots pine, birch, rowan, oak) could increase carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and boost biodiversity by providing habitats for threatened species.

• Feasibility: Uplands often align well with rewilding and afforestation initiatives. Programs like the UK Woodland Carbon Code could offer financial incentives.

2. Rewilding and Biodiversity Conservation

• Benefits: Rewilding the moors could reintroduce native flora and fauna, such as wildflowers, birds of prey, and small mammals, while creating self-sustaining ecosystems.

• Examples: Reintroducing species like pine martens, beavers, or even lynx (where feasible) could restore ecological balance.

• Tourism Potential: Nature-based tourism could generate income for local communities.

3. Peatland Restoration

• Benefits: Restoring degraded peatlands can act as a major carbon sink and prevent further emissions from eroding peat. This also improves water quality by reducing sedimentation and runoff.

• Implementation: Blocking drainage ditches and rewetting moors could be aligned with existing carbon-credit systems.

4. Agroforestry

• Benefits: Integrating trees and shrubs with low-intensity livestock grazing could improve soil quality, increase biodiversity, and create sustainable agricultural products (e.g., fruit, nuts, or timber).

• Feasibility: This approach maintains some agricultural productivity while enhancing ecological outcomes.

6. Renewable Energy Development

• Benefits: Upland areas with high wind exposure could host wind farms, while southern-facing slopes might be suitable for solar arrays.

• Considerations: Projects should prioritize minimal disruption to wildlife and local communities.

7. High-Value Crop Cultivation

• Possibilities:

  • Berries: Bilberries, blackberries, and other hardy fruits could thrive with minimal intervention.

  • Medicinal Plants: Heather moorlands could support plants like arnica or other species used in herbal medicine.

  • Fibre Crops: Hemp or flax could provide economic alternatives with a smaller environmental footprint.

• Challenges: Soil acidity and climatic conditions would require careful selection of crops.

8. Ecotourism and Outdoor Recreation

• Benefits: Developing sustainable tourism activities such as hiking, birdwatching, or foraging tours could support local economies while preserving the landscape.

• Infrastructure: Investments in eco-friendly lodges, visitor centers, and trail systems could complement these initiatives.

9. Water Management and Flood Mitigation

• Benefits: Restoring upland hydrology (e.g., creating wetlands and natural floodplains) could reduce downstream flooding, enhance biodiversity, and improve water retention.

• Implementation: This could involve strategic planting of vegetation or creating shallow pools to slow water runoff.

10. Mixed Land Use: A Mosaic Approach

• Benefits: A combination of uses—native woodland patches, restored peatlands, small-scale grazing, and ecotourism—could balance economic viability with environmental sustainability.

• Examples: Some areas could host rewilding projects, while others remain partially open for grazing or community forestry.