The Langholm Moor Demonstration Project aims to demonstrate an effective means of resolving the raptor-grouse moor controversy by restoring grouse moor management to the Langholm Moor SPA/SSSI as a way of meeting the conservation objectives of the site. In particular we aim to :

• demonstrate how to resolve conflicts between moorland management for raptors and red grouse
• maintain the hen harrier population as viable component of the SPA
• extend and improve the heather moorland habitat beyond its state in 2002
• improve grouse production such that grouse shooting again becomes viable enough to support moorland management

This site would become a model for modern, sustainable grouse moor management. The duration of the project is up to ten years, subject to review every three years.

The work programme comprises five elements:

1. Habitat measures. These will include heather burning, bracken control, heather restoration, blanket bog management, livestock management and goat control;
2. Control of predators that prey on grouse. Numbers of foxes, stoats and crows will be reduced, but no protected species will be killed.
3. Disease control.Medicated grit will be used to combat the nematode worm Trichostrongylus which periodically decimates grouse stocks.
4. Diversionary feeding. Carrion will be provided to breeding pairs of hen harriers to limit the numbers of grouse chicks they kill.
5. Some red grouse, taken from other moors, may be released if recovery of the existing stock is slow.

We will also consider creating alternative nesting and hunting habitat for hen harriers.

We expect to employ a team of five game keepers to undertake this work, and they will operate alongside shepherds and ecologists.

Ecological monitoring

Progress will be assessed by a team of ecologists who will:

1. Assess abundance and breeding success of the red grouse.
2. Measure the extent and causes of grouse mortality - including that caused by predation and disease.
3. Record numbers and breeding success of hen harriers. This will include continuous nest watches to check the prey brought back to harrier chicks and the success or otherwise of the diversionary feeding.
4. Assess the relative abundance of other birds and mammals.