Countryside Alliance applauds National Trust decision to support practical conservation in High Peak

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the news that the National Trust has shown their commitment to grouse shooting as a conservation tool by selecting three new shooting tenants to work as partners in order to help deliver the High Peak Moors Vision over the next five years.

In the face of a web-fuelled resurgence in animal rights activism, including an anti-shooting campaign directed straight at the National Trust, it is hugely encouraging that the Trust has sided with evidence and common sense. These new shooting tenants now have the opportunity to demonstrate all the good that shooting can do, by working collaboratively with the National Trust to boost wildlife and enhance the landscape that draws millions of tourists every year.

Discussing the arrangement Andy Beer, Regional Director for the National Trust in the Midlands, said: "We've made our decision based on what we think is best for nature. The High Peak is a managed landscape and we have chosen tenants who have committed to work with us to carry out land management which is good for the birds, plants and insects. With regards to hawks, falcons and owls we've made it very clear that the High Peak should have more of these birds, and we expect to see an increase in their numbers over the next five years."

Adrian Blackmore, Director of Shooting at the Countryside Alliance, said: "It is excellent news that the National Trust recognises the considerable environmental, economic and social benefits of grouse shooting and its associated management, choosing as it has to let three of its moors in the Dark Peak to shooting tenants".