The red grouse is one of Britain's most iconic species. The look and culture of many of our upland landscapes has been shaped by our association with this quarry species which recent genetic studies suggest may be endemic, unique to the British Isles. A short video of a red grouse brood at Langholm moor can be seen here (with thanks to Making the Most of Moorlands).

In the early part of the twentieth century Langholm Moor was one of the most productive moors for red grouse in Britain. Data published in the Joint Raptor Study showed there was a long-term decline in the number of grouse shot at Langholm from 1948 onwards. This was not due to raptors but most likely caused by the 48% reduction in the extent of heather cover. In common with other nearby moors grouse numbers cycled every 6-7 years due to recurrence of the parasitic worm Trichostrongylus. During and immediately following the Joint Raptor Study densities of red grouse failed to recover from a cyclic low and continued to decline. This was caused by predation from birds of prey. Since 1999 there has been no attempt to run Langholm as a driven grouse moor.

Numbers of grouse shot at Langholm (green) since 1975 compared to two nearby moors (grey and brown). All three shown cyclic changes in number due to the periodic parasitic disease Strongylosis, but unlike the other two, Langholm failed to recover after the hen harriers became established during the Joint Raptor Study.

Average red grouse density (numbers per 100ha) on the survey plots at Langholm since the start of the project monitoring in Spring 2008 showing both spring and summer densities. Densities are calculated using Distance Sampling methods and vertical lines are 1 standard error.

The project seeks to produce a population of red grouse sufficient to sustain an economically viable driven grouse shoot. An initial target of 1,000 brace of grouse shot in one year has been set. Grouse are counted on 8 to 10 survey plots as well as 35 kilometres of transect lines twice a year.