United Utilities to end grouse shooting on its moorlands

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

United Utilities has announced a move to end grouse hunting on its moorlands. The north-west-based water company, England's largest corporate landowner, said shooting licences would not be renewed and no new ones issued.

Moorlands it leases for grouse shooting include the Goyt Valley near Buxton; the Longdendale Valley near Glossop; Anglezarke Moor near Bolton; Brennand Fell in Bowland; Halsteads Fell in Bowland; Sykes Fell in Bowland, Longridge Fell in Bowland; Boulsworth Moor near Burnley and Worsthorne Moor near Burnley. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. In a statement today, UU said: "The water company's decision was announced following a review of its position initiated in March.

As shooting leases reach their conclusion at various stages between now and 2027, they will not be renewed. "Instead of being maintained for grouse shooting, the company's water catchment moors will be restored for nature, climate and people." Louise Beardmore, CEO of United Utilities, said: "We made a commitment that we would no longer renew any existing shooting leases on a long term basis and that has guided our approach over the last couple of years.

I can now also confirm that we will not issue any new shooting leases as United Utilities as we go forward." Conservation organisations hailed the move as a 'breakthrough moment' that would lead to restoration of large parts of the Forest of Bowland, Peak District and West Pennine moorlands.