Ahead of a debate in the House of Lords on Thursday 13 November 2025, the Countryside Alliance has shared a briefing note about the government's policies on biodiversity and the countryside.
The full briefing note can be downloaded here, and the key points have been summarised below.
- Thanks to their management for grouse shooting, more than 60 percent of England’s upland Sites of Special Scientific Interest are managed grouse moors, and over 40 percent have also been designated as Special Protection Areas for rare birds and Special Areas of Conservation for rare vegetation under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
- The theory and practice of modern gamekeeping is focused on conservation and a respect for biodiversity. Modern gamekeepers are expected to have undertaken formal apprenticeships or college courses, gain practical qualifications, and attend best-practice courses.
- Rotational heather burning, also known in Scotland as ‘muirburn’, on shallow peat and dry heath is done to increase the diversity of heather age and structure. The aim is to create lots of micro-habitats for a full range of habitats allowing the widest possible biodiversity. A low intensity ‘cool burn’ in small patches removes the canopy but prevents the burning of peat or moss beneath the vegetation, avoiding the resultant loss of carbon and delay in regrowth of the heather.
- Peer reviewed scientific research has shown that on moors managed for grouse shooting, ground nesting birds such as curlew and lapwing are 3.5 times more likely to raise chicks successfully. Densities of golden plover, curlew, redshank and lapwing were up to five times greater on managed grouse moors compared to unmanaged moorland.
- Just ten years ago, in 2013, there were no successful nesting attempts by hen harriers in England, but there are now more nesting than at any point since they were lost as a breeding species around 200 years ago. A total of 565 hen harrier chicks have now fledged since Natural England issued its first licence for the Brood Management Trial in 2018.
- The Countryside Alliance advocates a “rooftop-first” approach to solar installations as part of the government’s bid to boost renewable energy. Solar panels should be placed on the rooftops of new homes, commercial buildings, and car parks before using farmland or greenfield sites. This would protect valuable agricultural land and natural spaces while maximising the use of existing infrastructure.
- One of the most promising means of preserving biodiversity is engendering respect for nature in young people. The Countryside Alliance firmly supports outdoor education and plays a direct role in providing it through our Fishing for Schools programme. We would like to see the government do more to integrate understanding of nature across the curriculum.