🔴 Red Alert! 🔴 This cracking film of a Curlew, sent in by one of our Upland keepers, highlights how important areas of managed moorland are not only critical to the Curlew but also the vast number of Red Listed Species that are thriving on our moorlands. From Curlew to Lapwing, Merlin to Ring Ouzel - all these species benefit from years of moorland management and the amazing work carried out by gamekeepers. The moorlands are their safe haven, a place they can thrive for future generations to enjoy. Please share any footage you may have of Red-listed, or other, species you have encountered in our uplands… #wehavewildlife #conservation #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #habitat #gamekeeper #grousemoor
It’s very noticeable in the Bird world that the Males are the ‘show offs’, resplendent in every colour of the rainbow and full of bluster in an attempt to impress the female of the species.. The female on the other hand, prefers a much more subtle attire that allows as little publicity as possible, particularly when sat on a nest. Thanks to one of our upland keepers who sent in this picture of a Hen Red Grouse sitting on a clutch of eggs, you really have to focus hard to see her, even though she has selected quite an open site for the nest.. #naturescamouflage #redgrouse #hideandseek #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
When you’re trying to lek and impress the females but the sheep want to join in! Want to see more of the lek, head over to @scribehound to read my last article . . #emilygrahammedia #lek #blackgrouse #blackgrouselek #whymoorlandsmatter #managedmoorland
Now that the ground nesting season is in full swing, early nesters now producing chicks, legal predator control is paramount in the Uplands.. This dog fox was accounted for last night and was found to be carrying four lapwing chicks (an entire brood), tonight that could have been a Curlew nest, a Black grouse nest or any ground nesting raptor.. #legalpredatorcontrol #waderprotection #protectinggroundnestingbirds #wehavewaders #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters
🦅 Eagle Watch 🦅 Another incredible encounter with a Golden Eagle for one of our Upland keepers (yes, the one with the good camera)… The tracking Ariel is clearly visible, strongly suggesting this will be a bird from the South Of Scotland Golden Eagle Project , one of the daily encounters keepers throughout the Southern Uplands have with these magnificent birds.. #goldeneagle #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 Incredible footage sent to us by one of our upland keepers showing a Golden Eagle being ‘mobbed’ by at least 10 Buzzards over his area of managed moorland.. #goldeneagle #buzzard #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
#whymoorlandsmatter 2024 is fully underway! Another fantastic group have been to visit our incredible grouse moors to see a small fraction of the work that goes into this land and the benefit that brings to wader populations. . . #waderbird #wildlifeuk #managedmoorland #nestingseason
Curlews are on the ground!! #curlew #curlewnest #nestingseason #managedmoorland #managedland
#worldcurlewday2024 On World Curlew Day 2024 we celebrate this iconic bird of the Uplands. Whilst there continues to be an alarming rate in the fall of recordings of Curlew across much of the UK, areas that are associated with Grouse shooting continue to buck the trend. Sympathetic habitat management and legal predator control play a major part in the success story of this red-listed for conservation purposes species. Gamekeepers across the UK take personal responsibility in ensuring that the call of the Curlew will resound from the hills for many more generations to come.. #curlew #redlisted #iconic #wehavewaders #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #forgenerationstocome #gamekeepers
Today is World Curlew Day, whilst their numbers have fallen by 60% since the 1980’s across the UK, due mainly to habitat loss and predation, we are privileged in the Peak District to have moorland areas that are managed with a grouse shooting interest, that not only retain favourable habitat but also offer protection from predators, thanks to targeted predator control. Our moors and adjacent areas would be sad places to spend time in, if we lost the remarkable fledging success found in areas with dedicated moorland gamekeepers and land managers. We salute everyone that is making a difference on the ground today in keeping the bubbling call of the curlew alive and highlighting what could happen if management is restricted even more or lost altogether. #regionalmoorlandgroups #managedmoorland #pdmg #curlew #PeakDistrictProud #nationalparks #curlewrecovery #rspb_love_nature #nationaltrustuk #basc #nationalgamekeepersorganisation #gwct #waders #wildlifetrust #ruralfarming #worldcurlewday2024 #worldcurlewday
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 An update on the juvenile White Tailed Eagle reported in the Southern Uplands earlier this month. One of our Upland Keepers (the one with the good camera!) took these fantastic photos of the same bird this week, information received tells that it arrived in our area on the 30th March. An incredible bird, and also that we are looking at a piece of history, this being the first WTE chick fledged in England for 100’s of years… Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation #whitetailedeagle #wehaveraptors #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
Today's progress on this Black grouse 'King of the lek' Work in progress. Acrylic on canvas 12"×12" | | #grouse #blackgrouse #grouselek #gamebirds #grousepainting #moorlandwildlife #highlandwildlife #birdpaintings #birdartist #bird #wildlifeart #wildlifepainting #acrylicpaintingoncanvas #acrylicpainting #acrylicartwork #fieldsports #grousemoor #managedmoorland
This is the sixth year following this golden plover pair! They use the same grouse butt every year as their look out point. Always makes me smile when they return. . . #goldenplover #plover #goldie #nestingseason #managedmoorland #nature #wildlife
#curlew have always been scarce as a breeding species in lowland landscapes, but have strongholds in upland Scotland, where their evocative bubbling call, can be heard echoing above the heather moorlands and upland-edge grazing. The management of such habitats means that these #redlistedspecies thrive on traditionally managed estates in the #grampians #wadingbirds #wildlifeconservation #managingforwildlife #managedmoorland #birdlovers #birdwatching #gamekeepers
Red Grouse over moorland. This is a section of a large grouse piece that now proudly lives in Alnwick Castle. Plans being made for a new grouse moorland piece, spending time in the Shropshire hills with my local grouse population. . #grouse #redgrouse #grouseshooting #drivengrouse #grousepainting #gameshooting #drivendays #drivenshooting #walkedupshooting #fieldsportsbritain #fieldsports #fieldsportsart #sportingartist #birdpaintings #birdartist #grousemoor #managedmoorland
Seeing these handsome black grouse is a spectacular sight - here on a traditionally managed moorland estate. The male black grouse gather in open areas, known as leks, to display and compete for mates during the breeding season. These displays typically occur at dawn and dusk and involve elaborate dances, vocalizations, and territorial behavior. #wehavewildlife #blackgrouse #blackgrouselek #habitatmanagement #managedmoorland #conservation #birdlovers #socaberlady #rspbscotland #bbcspringwatch #gamekeeping
The curlew is a red-listed species due to declining populations primarily caused by habitat loss, degradation, and disturbance, especially in their breeding grounds. Thankfully, they can be found in abundance on traditionally managed estates, where the land management practises mitigate such threats and protect curlew populations. #curlew #redlistedspecies #wehavewaders #wadingbirds #birdphotography #conservationmanagement #managedmoorland #gamekeeper #socaberlady #rspb #scotgov
The #blackgrouse is native to Scotland. It's found in moorlands, woodland edges, and open habitats. In Scotland, conservation efforts are underway to protect the habitat and population of this #redlistedspecies species, due to declines in recent years. Fortunately, though, black grouse are a fairly common sight on traditionally managed estates, thanks to the land management practises undertaken on them. #managedmoorland #wehavewildlife #conservation #naturelovers #birdlovers #socaberlady #rspbscotland #gamekeeper
Superb Open Day at one of our Upland Estates today.. Members of the local community gathered to hear all about Moorland management and Sheep management in an Upland setting. Hats off to the team of keepers who introduced the audience to the why’s and wherefore’s of legal predator control, the frustrations of the impending loss of the use of Humane Cable Restraints and the difficulties that will ensue in that landscape, Muirburn and the importance of being able to continue the practice particularly in light of the assistance it gives should a ‘wildfire’ ever break out.. There was a chance to observe such species as Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven and a cheeky appearance of a Red Squirrel (who’s numbers are now increasing after a sustained programme of control aimed at the more aggressive Grey counterpart) The visit finished with a visit to the Lambing shed, where such topics as meat and wool production as well as the importance Hill flocks play in the fight against Tick infestation. A lot of information was absorbed and a lot of very thought provoking questions asked, all dealt with in a thoroughly professional manner by the team.. Well done to all involved.. #localcommunity #localknowledge #localeconomies #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper #hillshepherd #wehavewildlife #wehaveraptors #wehavewaders
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 One of our Upland keepers was treated to this fantastic viewing of a Golden Eagle as he worked into the evening.. #goldeneagle #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
Always a pleasure to see any owls out and about! Short eared owls have the most incredible eyes! . . #owls #emilygrahammedia #shortearedowl #managedland #managedmoorland #ukwildlife
A unique wildlife experience- black grouse lekking is a spectacular sight to witness on traditionally managed moorland - where male black grouse gather in open areas, known as leks, to display and compete for mates during the breeding season. These displays typically occur at dawn and dusk and involve elaborate dances, vocalizations, and territorial behavior. #wehavewildlife #blackgrouse #blackgrouselek #habitatmanagement #managedmoorland #conservation #birdlovers #socaberlady #rspbscotland #bbcspringwatch #gamekeeping
Just a few from yesterdays lek! Never get tired of experiencing a lek. . . #lek #blackgrouse #wildlife #grouse #managedmoorland #moorlands
Another wading bird species that has returned to the #perthshire glens is the #redshank, with its distinctive bright orange legs and teu-tu-tu’ call. In common with all waders, Redshank chicks are able to walk and feed almost as soon as they leave the nest. However, this makes them vulnerable to predators and they need areas of tall vegetation to hide in, close to damper patches where they can find invertebrate food. The landscape, and the land management practises, on traditionally managed estates help protect such species from predation - hence why so many wading bird species return year after year and are positively thriving in such areas. #wadingbirds #wehavewaders #managedmoorland #birdlovers #naturelovers #natureconservation #gamekeepers #shepherds
Not partridges in a pear tree, but black grouse in a birch tree! Amazing to see so many of these beautiful Red Listed birds thriving in the #perthshire glens. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in a decline in numbers and range, making them a Red List species. However, positive habitat management in the #tcs.mg area is helping them to increase significantly here. Well done to all who manage the land so well here. #blackgrouse #grouse #gamebirds #conservation #managedmoorland #birdlovers #rspb #bbcspringwatch
A plethora of wading birds returns to our Perthshire glens - what an amazing and beautiful sight. #wadingbirds #lapwing #oystercatcher #managedmoorland #thewondersofnature #birdlovers #ornithology #rspb
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 Another cracking, close up encounter with a Golden Eagle for one of our Upland keepers..the majesty and sheer presence of one of these incredible birds really is something to behold.. #goldeneagle #wehavewildlife #wehaveraptors #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
🦅EagleWatch🦅 A terrific, close up encounter with a Golden Eagle for one of our Upland keepers. The grace and power of these birds is simply unbelievable..many thanks to the keeper who captured the video #goldeneagle #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
At the beginning of the week we were invited to the The Huntsman Inn, Holmfirth for an evening talk about modern day moorland management with a grouse shooting interest, to a room of 50 Young Farmers and some not so Young Farmers. There were some amazing interactions and questions as the evening developed and concerns and parallels were made regarding the future of rural jobs, community and sustainable uplands. The passion to learn was clear and we would like to express our thanks to everyone that turned out and made us so welcome. You are all a credit to your respective clubs and the future of our countryside … @huntsman_inn Holme Valley Young Farmers Penistone Young Farmers Club #pdmg #regionalmoorlandgroups #youngfarmersclub #farmingfuture #managedmoorland #young
Wader Watch.. Brilliant encounter for one of our upland keepers as he came across this very strong flock of returning Golden Plover.. #goldenplover #wehavewaders #wehavewildlife #conservation #biodiversity #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 One of our keepers , intrigued to see what all the commotion at the Rookery was, came upon this Golden Eagle incurring the displeasure of the locals. Closer inspection revealed a tracking system attached, so following a quick email to the South Of Scotland Golden Eagle Project quoting date/time and a grid reference, he was able to learn that this eagle was indeed part of the ongoing project here in the borders. The eagle in question turns out to be H45 AKA ‘Percy’ a juvenile Male that was released in November.. #goldeneagle #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #conservation #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeeper
Today, around 60 rural land managers gathered in Perth to express their concerns about the ludicrous bid by Perth and Kinross Council to create a new #nationalpark in north Perthshire. We were delighted to receive a show of support by local councillors, who understood and shared our concerns. To find out more about our concerns, please visit https://notayforestnationalpark.org/ #managedmoorland #gamekeepers #shepherds #farmers #countryliving #ruralcommunitiesmatter
My name is Mhairi Dempster and I am the head #shepherd on an upland sporting estate and low ground commercial estate in Perthshire. I was very fortunate to grow up on an estate on the west coast of Scotland, so have been involved in sporting and farming my whole life. When I left school it was difficult finding a career in this industry, so I trained and qualified as a dental nurse and did that for just over 4 years. I spent all of my spare time helping on local estates, and quickly realised that that’s where my heart was and decided to move east. 6 years later I have worked my way up to become head shepherd, and now run a 800 ewe tick mop hill flock with followers, and an 800 ewe commercial lowland flock plus followers - breeding all of our own replacements. A huge part of my job is liaising with the #gamekeepers, working together using the sheep to control the increase of tick which affects both parties. Predator control carried out by the gamekeepers is also vital, particularly at spring time when there are young lambs being born and ground nesting birds are hatching. Improving the ground consistently for grazing sheep and enhancing regeneration is also ongoing. My work has allowed me to share my passion with like minded people, who also have the rural community at heart. Without estates managing the land as they do, it is not just gamekeepers whose jobs would be at risk, but mine and others too. #ruraljobs #rurallife #managedmoorland #countrylife #sustainablefood #notjustgamekeepers
Promoting Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups at the Scottish Labour Party Conference in Glasgow at the weekend. #politicalengagement #educationiskey #ruralscotland #ruraljobs #managedmoorland
Promoting Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups at the Scottish Labour Party Conference in Glasgow at the weekend. #politicalengagement #educationiskey #ruralscotland #ruraljobs #managedmoorland
My name is Sanjay Bhattacharya, and I’m the Head Chef at @finzeanfarmshop & Tea Room, here on the Finzean Estate in #royaldeeside .Alongside my team, I butcher, prepare and cook all the pheasants from our shoot, and nearly all the deer we cull on the estate. All the meat is used at our farm shop, providing healthy and interesting meals to our local community. We make a wide range of ready meals and speciality dishes using venison and pheasant, and also sell it in the farmshop for customers to cook at home. I also prepare the elevenses and lunches for the shoot, and really enjoy being able to try out new game dishes on the guns and beaters! In my spare time I love to shoot and stalk with the #gamekeeper here at Finzean. Without his hard work in rearing the pheasants, controlling foxes, and heading out on the hill after hinds, there wouldn’t be any locally sourced meat for me to cook! It’s great to be part of the rural community that exists thanks to shooting, which provides for jobs like mine, not just gamekeepers. #sustainablefood #healthyfood #ruralcommunities #ruralemployment #managedmoorland
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 It is unquestionably an absolute privilege to be able to experience encounters such as this whilst out on our areas of managed moorland.. One of our upland keepers was the fortunate individual in this case as two Golden Eagles ‘wheeled’ in the thermals on the hillside, perhaps a courting pair?… #goldeneagles #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
🐑Scottish Blackface Sheep 🐏 A different section of our local community this afternoon. We were very pleased to be able to sponsor the Junior Judging Class at the Borders and Midlothian Blackface Sheep Breeders stock judging event, located at the local auction mart in Newtown St Boswells.. Shepherds and their families came from across the region to show some fantastic examples of the Scottish Blackface Sheep and to test their judging skills against one and other, although our efforts are best passed over☺️.. This is just another example of local rural community spirit, one which may be drastically affected by legislation brought forward by those that do not understand the importance of Upland Sheep management, controlled grazing not only reduces the fuel load helping to lessen the danger of uncontrollable wildfires, but also the tick control programme contributes massively in reducing tick numbers, beneficial to both humans and species that inhabit our areas of managed moorland.. and finally, but not least, these hardy sheep that live on our hills provide some of the best flavoured meat that you could wish to try… #notjustgamekeepers #blackfacesheep #uplandshepherds #ruralcommunities #ruralfamilies #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters
🦉Owl Watch🦉 Fantastic encounter with a Short-Eared Owl hunting on his beat for one of our Upland Keepers.. #shortearedowl #wehavewildlife #wehaveraptors #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
Returning Waders… One of our Upland keepers spotted this flock of Lapwing (Peewit), the first this season, as the waders start to think about returning to our areas of managed moorland. It’s always great to see such threatened species coming back year on year, where the sympathetic habitat management and legal predator control, contribute massively towards successful fledging of chicks.. #returningwaders #northernplover #lapwing #peewit #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
In Nov 2020 Scottish Government commissioned research showed that, compared to other upland land uses, grouse shooting provides: the greatest number of jobs per hectare; the highest levels of local and regional spending; and the greatest levels of investment per hectare without public subsidy. This month we will be highlighting all of the jobs that could be affected by the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, not just Gamekeepers. #enoughisenough #notjustgamekeepers #ruraljobs #ruralcommunities #srmg #managedmoorland
Many people probably don't expect to see these little guys on the moors but they do venture up, especially in nesting season and can actually become quite a problem for ground nesting birds - Hedgehogs will happily eat as many eggs as they can and clear out nests. #hedgehogs #wildlife #managedmoorland
Amazing research findings - and one of these 47 tagged and tracked #shortearedowls was located and found to be breeding on a traditionally managed estate near Amulree in #perthshire. The mosaic of #heathermoorland and #grassland, as well as a #vole rich food supply, means short-eared and #barnowls thrive in the #managedmoorland here. #wehavewildlife #natureconservation #raptors #birdlovers #birdphotography #rspb #gamekeepinglife #bbcwildlife
Roe deer are common in northern moorland settings, most people wouldn't expect to see deer on the moors but they do travel across them and once again can become a pest if left to breed at their own rate. Females often give birth to twins meaning populations can multiple quickly. #roedeer #wilderness #managedmoorland #moorlands
Championing fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce, the pupils at Bertha Park High School, #perth ,recently got stuck in to preparing and cooking pheasants donated from local estates. The end result was a tasty, nutritious #pheasant fajita wrap. #embracethegame #eatgame #lowfoodmiles #seasonalandsustainable #learningforsustainability #managedmoorland #gamekeepers
#goldeneagles are the classic symbol of wild places. Scotland holds almost all the UK’s population of these magnificent birds, which glide over forest, #moorland and mountain on long, powerful wings. They’re skilled hunters, but not particularly choosy about what they eat. Grouse and other mountain birds, hares, rabbits and snakes are all on the menu, and they’ll sometimes eat carrion (dead animals). One of our #gamekeepers enjoyed observing this one having a wee break from hunting and taking in the beautiful #perthshire scenery, on a #managedmoorland #birdsofprey #scottishwildlife #wildlifeconservation #wehavewildlife #ornithology #rspb #birdlovers #birdphotography
😊 NYMMO NEST BOXES 👍 We are currently busy at NYMMO constructing more nest boxes ready for some new locations and I thought this was a good opportunity to share these images of a less common bird which set up home in one of our boxes during 2023. The Redstarts shown in the photos are Amber listed birds meaning they are of a conservation concern. They are also one of the species that is being monitored by the “Birds on the Edge” project which is being ran by the North York Moors Trust and funded by the National Lottery. The trust is working collaboratively with chosen partners, as well as with communities and land managers in creating and restoring habitat used by Turtle Dove, Yellowhammer, Song Thrush, and Redstart, some of whom are threatened species, which live on the edge of wood and farmland. #NYMMO #nestbox #regionalmoorlandgroups #managedmoorland #amberlist For more information on the project please click on the link below: https://www.northyorkmoorstrust.uk/ourprojects/birdsontheedge
🎄 🎅 HAPPY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄 We wish you all the best for a lovely Christmas Day from all at NYMMO. #NYMMO #northyorkshire #NorthYorkMoors #ManagedMoorland #regionalmoorlandgroups #gamekeepers #ruralcommunities #christmas2022
I do love receiving pics of my work framed and in their new homes. Lovely framing on this 48"×36" grouse piece.
Fabulous clear view of two Hen Harriers for one of our upland keepers yesterday, this time of year sightings become more frequent as juvenile birds seek new territory.. #henharrier #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
Just one of the many #goldeneagle that thrive on the #managedmoorland in the #grampianmoorlandgroup area. #raptors #birdsofprey #cairngormsnationalpark #gamekeeper #wehavewildlife
🦅Eagle Watch🦅 One of our moorland keepers managed to walk right onto this Golden Eagle whilst out on the hill..you may be able to make out a transmitter harness(?) suggesting this could be one of the South Of Scotland Golden Eagle Project birds that frequent our Sporting Estates throughout the Southern Uplands.. #goldeneagle #wehaveraptors #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #gamekeepers
Final drive on the final day of the grouse season for us. Fog and rain was relentless but managed to shoot a few birds. Darcy came along to see what it was all about and picked a super 40 yard bird out the back. Very happy with her, although Comet was a jealous little blighter the whole day! Very good promise for the future. Bring on next year! #grousemoor #grouseshooting #drivenshooting #drivengrouse #drivengrouseshooting #managedmoorland #godsowncountry #yorkshire #gundog #gundogs #labrador #labradors #workinglabs #workinglabrador #workinggundog
🔴Now sold. Incoming grouse over moorland. 90cmx90cm with a 4cm deep edge. Painted in acrylic & finished with a satin varnish. If you are interested in this original piece please message. Many thanks Charles. . #grouse #redgrouse #grouseshooting #drivengrouse #grouseseason #gameshooting #glorioustwelfth #fieldsports #fieldsportsart #shootingart #sportingart #countrypursuits #shootingestate #countryhouse #countrypursuits #drivendays #shootingman #ladieswhoshoot #moorlandwildlife #managedmoorland #shotgunshooting #drivenshooting #countrygent #countrylady #countrylife #sidebysideshotgun #scotland #yorkshire #hunting
These colder mornings are just beautiful! #moorland #managedmoorland #yorkshire #yorkshiredales #labradors #labsofinstagram #labradorretriever #gundog #gundogs #labradorpuppy #sunshine
🤢 TICKS TICKS AND MORE TICKS 🤢 One of our gamekeepers has just removed this stoat from his trap. I thought I would share this photo as it is one of the worst tick cases we have seen for a while. Moorland estates try to reduce the risk of ticks by having a good flock of sheep on the moors as the sheep act as “tick mops”. The sheep are dipped in a pesticide that attracts ticks and kills them off in huge numbers, and this has been welcomed as an effective and harmless method in the fight against ticks. Ticks can be found in any areas where there is deep or overgrown vegetation and where there is access to animals and wildlife for them to feed on. Ticks don’t fly or jump but they climb onto your skin or clothes if you brush against something that they’re on, they then bite into the skin and start to feed on your blood. 🤔 Top tips for avoiding ticks: When out and about on the moors try to: * Avoid walking through long grass and areas of thick foliage, keep to paths and tracks in heavily infested areas. * Leave no exposed skin on your legs, feet, ankles or arms, wear long sleeves, tuck your trousers in your socks or wear gaiters and choose a fabric which is thickly woven. * Spray insect repellent on clothing and socks. * Wear light-coloured clothing so you can see the dark ticks and remove them, inspect your clothes often to remove any ticks. * Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks when you get home, especially your hairline, navel, groin, arm pits, between toes, behind the ears and knees. DON’T PANIC if you find an embedded tick, it’s most likely that it’s not infected, and if you remove it within 24 hours it is unlikely to have passed on the bacteria. If you are worried in anyway then consult your GP and mention your concerns about Lyme Disease. For more details on ticks and Lyme Disease please visit the Lyme Disease Action Organisation at the link below, they have a massively informative website with all areas covered. http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/ #NYMMO #NorthYorkMoors #ManagedMoorland #LymeDisease #TickAvoidance #StaySafe #EnjoyTheCountryside #CheckYourself #CheckYourAnimals
Aye, such a “desolate, barren landscape” some say, yet #goldeneagles hunting #hare - is a pretty common occurrence on traditionally #managedmoorland in #perthshire! Would these species still thrive here under a blanket of trees? #gamekeeping #conservation # #naturelovers #wildnature
They just keep coming! #DrivenGrouseShooting #ManagedMoorland #Conservation #WilliamPowellSporting #GrouseSpecialists
Moments this season so far! 1. Of course Mr Milo is all his glory 2. Oaks first day back out after having pups, think she was happy to be back! 3. @better_in_wellies enjoying the typical moorland weather 4. Thor is always focused 5. @better_in_wellies and @highthickleygundogs taking it very serious. 6. Idun doing what Idun does best 7. @highthickleygundogs and his team 8. The two queens of the fells 9. Ada always returns with a bird 10. @foxhope_gundogs new pup retrieving her first grouse! . . #gundogs #emilygrahammedia #shootingseason #grousemoor #uplands #managedmoorland
After the torrential rains washed out this hill track, it is now being repaired, at the owners expense. Not only the estate benefits from such tracks, but the general public use them to access the hilltops on foot and bike - a much easier access route than yomping through the heather! #managedmoorland #ruralemployment #ruraleconomy #outdooraccess #hillwalkingscotland #gravelbiking
One of the final days on the grouse. Season slowly coming to an end. Weather held up an absolute treat. Few birds through the butts and in the bag. #grouseshooting #grousemoor #grouse #mirokumk11 #mirokushotguns #lyalvaleexpress #managedmoorland #drivenshooting #drivengameshooting #drivengrouseshooting
Progress to date on this grouse moor painting. The pack has enlarged some what and is turning into the 'grouse drive of dreams'😂 . #grouse #grouseshooting #drivenshooting #drivengrouse #drivendays #grouseseason #moorlandwildlife #gameshooting #fieldsports #wildlifefineart #redgrouse #sportingartist #shooting #hunting #countrypursuits #managedmoorland #grousekeeper #grousepainting #britishcountryside
Autumnal grouse are just perfection! . . #emilygrahammedia #redgrouse #grouse #uplands #moorland #managedmoorland
# Standing up for Rural Scotland Sunday saw representation from Scottish Regional Moorland Groups, alongside colleagues from Scottish Land & Estates Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and BASC Scotland attend the Scottish National Party (SNP) Conference in Aberdeen. Together we hosted a Live panel Fringe Event kindly sponsored by Audrey Nicoll MSP, amongst the topics under discussion were, the Rural economy, Rural employment, Conservation, Muirburn and of course the future of Grouse shooting.. #ruraleconomy #ruralemployment #managedmoorland #moorlandmatters #uplandconservation
What a bonny #perthshire glen. Another day out enjoying the #landscape and #wildlife. #managedmoorland #gamekeeperlife #shepherds #rurallife #ruralworkers #ruralcommunities
Started adding the grouse on this 120cm×50cm moorland piece. . #grouse #redgrouse #moorlands #wildlifeart #wilderness #highlands #peakdistrict #scotishwildlife #britishcountryside #fieldsports #fieldsportsart #fineart #grouseshooting #gameshooting #countrypursuits #artwork #managedmoorland #wildlifefineart #paintingnature #shootingart #hunting #drivendays #drivenshooting
😊 SUPPORT LOCAL 😊 ShuttleSocks is a business born and bred in the #NorthYorkMoors. Starting out with socks they have now branched out into not only having a massive variety of short and long socks but also to leggings, base layers, hoodies and caps. I thought it was time the estate had a team photo (and this wasn’t everyone!) Can you spot all the shuttle socks merchandise? #NYMMO #northyorkshire #northyorkmoors #Shuttlesocks #localbusiness #supportlocal #ShootDays #managedmoorland #shooting
Today marks the start of the controlled, cool burning season when our moorland gamekeepers and upland estates can use prescribed fire to remove old, rank vegetation from areas of moorland under agreement with DEFRA and Natural England, a legal practice which has continued for thousands of years to protect our precious upland landscapes and the flora and fauna they support. But today this practice is also used to spread lies and misinformation by those who oppose us. We do not 'burn peat' or 'burn peatlands'. Our managed moorlands are not 'barren landscapes' made up of only heather. Controlled, cool burning undertaken at the correct time of year under the correct weather conditions only removes the upper rank old vegetation, quickly moving over an area and not reaching the underlying seed, moss and peat layers under the control of skilled and trained operatives with specialised equipment. They are home to a wide biodiversity of specialist moorland flora that thrives under the management of our upland estates as prescribed cool burning removes the dense, rank old vegetation, allowing in light and encouraging peat forming species such as Sphagnum mosses to thrive and colonise areas. It is a management practice that has helped to shape and protect our iconic upland landscapes for thousands of years, ecosystems that are adapted to fire, and with the latest scientific studies continuing to show the benefits of prescribed burning as part of our upland management regime, a practice that will continue to help protect these rare and precious landscapes for future generations to come. We are the proud custodians of these precious, iconic landscapes and come spring when moors once more come alive with the calls of Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Golden Plover, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Cuckoo's, to name but a few, alongside our Red Grouse, we can look over these landscapes and know that all these species and many more are benefitting from our management of these areas, with some such as the Red Listed Curlew only thriving on our managed moorlands. #prescribedburn #ourmoors #NidderdaleMoorlandGroup #regionalmoorlandgroups #managedmoorland #wehavewildlife
As Autumn is now upon us and temperatures start to drop we see a change in the wildlife on our moorlands as some species decide to depart for warmer climates or lower grounds and estuaries, whilst others start arriving from further north to spend the winter here. But not all our moorland residents have the ability to move from our moorlands or survive the cooler season's ahead up here year round so they have developed different methods to see out the harsher times ahead. The Adder is the most northerly species of snake in the world, cold-tolerant and found as far north as the Artic Circle, but to survive the coldest times of year, like many other cold blooded species who do not generate their own heat, but rely instead on external heat sources such as basking in the sun, Adders hibernate through the colder, harsher months of the year and as the temperatures are now starting to drop the Adders will start to prepare for hibernation. Adders will start to prepare for hibernation several weeks before the time to gather in the 'hibernacula' comes round by fasting to allow their digestive systems to close down. Adders are relatively sedentary using the same underground 'hibernacula' (hibernation site) every year. These can be in old rabbit or rodent burrows, natural cavities found under trees or in the bottom of old dry stone walls. Some of these sites are used by several different Adders who will hibernate communally. Adders are still out and about on the moorlands at the moment, but as the days are cooling down the snakes are slowing down as the sun is loosing it's heat and the time for hibernation draws closer. #reptiles #snakes #ourmoors #NidderdaleMoorlandGroup #regionalmoorlandgroups #wehavewildlife #managedmoorland #gamekeepers #safehabitats #adders #hibernation #conservation #nature #nidderdale
The traditional county agricultural show season ended on Sunday with our local agricultural show, Nidderdale Show in Pateley Bridge. The move to hosting the show on a Sunday, from it's traditional Monday slot, again proved very popular as the show was busy all day despite the overcast and damp weather. It was a busy day for the Gamekeepers on our Nidderdale Moorland Group stand with visitors arriving early, even as we were still setting up, and still arriving to talk to the keepers as we packed the stand away at the end of the day. The show is always a great opportunity for our local moorland gamekeepers to meet and talk to members of the public about their role in maintaining and protecting our iconic upland landscapes and the flora and fauna they support. From controlled, legal cool burning and the cutting of heather and vegetation, carbon capture, grip blocking and rewetting the moorlands, to the results from the latest studies into moorland management, predator control and protecting some of our most endangered species such as the Curlew to our highly successful NMG Barn Owl Nest Box project, members of the public were able to speak first hand with the moorland gamekeepers and gain a better understanding of their daily work. Once again the taxidermy display of moorland wildlife and some of our moorland plants, alongside activities for children, proved very popular and it was great to meet some of the children who had attended our Let's Learn Moor' day back at the beginning of July and to hear from the parents how the children enjoyed their day out on the moors. #NidderdaleMoorlandGroup #regionalmoorlandgroups #managedmoorland #nidderdaleshow2023 #pateleybridge #gamekeepers #taxidermy #ourmoors #wehavewildlife #GWT
Final pics of this 48"×36" grouse piece. Varnish is dry and ready for packaging to send to its new owner, thank you so much 🙏🏼 If I had to choose one subject to paint for the rest of my career grouse over moorland would be it. . #grouse #redgrouse #grousemoor #grouseshooting #drivengrouse #purpleoffice #glorioustwelfth #moorlands #highlandwildlife #gameshooting #gameshootinguk #managedmoorland #grousekeeper #wildlifeart #britishart #shootingman #ladieswhoshoot #countrylife #yorkshiremoors #scotland #sportingart #sportingartist #shootinglife #countrypursuits #countrygentleman #shotguns #sidebysideshotgun #shootdays #walkedupgrouse #gameshootingseason
Just surfing the breeze! The #raven is a massive crow, even bigger than a buzzard, which is found on our uplands and in our forests in #perthshire, where it feeds on carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs and insects. #birdlovers #passerines #managedmoorland #gamekeeperlife