New Report Highlights Gamekeepers’ Crucial Role in Wildfire Prevention and Moorland
Conservation
By Rob Beeson
A NEW academic report has underlined the critical role that gamekeepers play in protecting
England’s upland landscapes – particularly in preventing wildfires, conserving wildlife, and supporting
local economies.
Launched in Westminster on Monday 19 May, ‘ The Grouse Moor Gamekeeper in England in the
21st Century ‘ is the first study of its kind to assess the economic, environmental, and social value of
gamekeeping on English grouse moors. Authored by Professor Simon Denny and commissioned by
the Regional Moorland Groups and the National Gamekeepers Organisation, the report draws on
data from 58 moors across northern England.
Professor Denny said, “Gamekeepers do not have a single, simple role. Rather they must be skilled
educators and communicators, wildlife wardens, fire fighters, conservation managers, planners and
organisers, first aiders, rescuers, and managers of people.”
“Without gamekeepers, large areas of heather moor and their extraordinary flora and fauna,
would be lost. I am full of admiration for what they do,” he added.
David Smith, MP for North Northumberland, co-hosted the launch event and praised the report’s
findings:
“Moorlands are open, wild landscapes – loved for their beauty and character – and gamekeepers
play a vital role in preserving and protecting them. Their work includes wildfire prevention, predator
control, habitat restoration, and conservation of rare ground nesting birds like curlew, lapwing, and
golden plover.”
Key Findings
Moors managed by gamekeepers spend over £21.8 million annually on contractors, mainly
for habitat improvements.
Grouse moor tourism contributes £121 million per year – an economic boost without
comparison.
Gamekeepers maintain public access and support hundreds of thousands of visitors
annually.
Their management practices reduce wildfire risk and help meet national nature recovery
targets.
These moors support over half the UK’s curlew population and 42% of lapwing – both red-
listed species.
This report reaffirms what the Moorland Association has long championed: well-managed
moorland, under the stewardship of skilled gamekeepers, delivers exceptional value for nature,
people, and rural communities.
