The Irish Red Grouse Association was formed in 2010 following a directive from the Executive Board of Countryside Alliance Ireland. Vincent Flannelly was appointed as Chairman and was given the task of setting up the Irish Red Grouse Association. Vincent then assembled a group of like-minded people who have signed up to achieve the following objectives
• to stop the decline of Red Grouse in Ireland
• to increase Red Grouse numbers in Ireland
• to have Red Grouse removed from the Red List of Endangered Species. The Association formally came into being in 2011 with representatives from Countryside Alliance Ireland, IFA Countryside, National Parks & Wildlife Services and the Pointer and
Setter Field Trial Clubs in Ireland, Coillte and Bord na Mona. The Irish Red Grouse Association is here to assist and support any group or person wishing to become actively involved in the betterment of grouse across the island of Ireland. The Association also takes the view that the interests of Grouse are best served by those people who are prepared to get actively involved at local level and to do whatever work is necessary in the matter of Habitat Management and importantly Predator control. This is a partnership process and our objectives can only be achieved through active engagement with government departments, local communities and landowners who wish to see Red Grouse return to our bogs and uplands in Ireland. The Irish Red Grouse Association is also part of the National Species Action Plan Group and together with other organisations working for the betterment of Grouse in Ireland. History
The red grouse has been in Ireland since the end of the last Ice Age about ten thousand years ago. There has been a decline in red grouse numbers overall, however, every indication is that the population has at least stabilised over the past ten years and has perhaps expanded somewhat. Towards the end of the 19th century when the great estates were restored to the Irish people, and tenants became owners of their properties, gamekeeper numbers declined rapidly and this effected the grouse population because without gamekeepers the populations of foxes, grey crows and other predators of ground nesting birds grew. In the 20th century the loss of lowland bogs and the high levels of turf extraction together with afforestation resulted in the loss of countless acres of prime grouse habitat. Despite all of this grouse is still to be found in nearly every county in Ireland. A recent Grouse survey suggested that the Irish Grouse population is presently somewhere in excess of 4,000 birds. From our experience on the ground we know that Grouse are present in a considerable number of areas where the survey indicated that they were absent. There are many ways to survey a site or piece of moorland to establish the numbers of grouse that are resident. Some methods involve the use of calling machines and others include walking the lines and segments and looking for signs or recent habitation. However, we believe that there is really only one way to accurately count grouse and that involves the use of man and dog doing counts in spring (to ascertain the numbers of breeding pairs) and in summer (to ascertain the numbers after breeding). This method combined with other scientific methods will clearly demonstrate that the numbers exceed 4,000 birds. The good news concerning grouse is the fact that it is a species that responds positively to habitat improvement initiatives. With hard work and commitment it is possible to bring about a significant increase in their numbers. It is essential to get the habitat for grouse right. All important is the development of the right heather mix. Grouse are unique in their dependence upon ling heather. It forms over 90% of the diet of adult birds. It is also essential for concealment and nesting. Grouse do not like to expose themselves to the eyes of predators so feeding typically takes place in close proximity to heather which is of a height to provide concealment. The other main area of habitat work which is vital in a grouse restoration project is that of predator control. Foxes and grey crows together with magpies are all too plentiful on moorland and control of these predators is essential, as left unchecked they will prevent a moor from developing its true potential in terms of grouse population. The Irish Red Grouse Association is also participating in a number of other projects that will benefit ground nesting birds. Indeed we are currently involved in establishing the resident population of Curlew in Ireland to support our recommendation that they are not under severe pressure from being on the quarry list of birds that can be taken during the open season and should not be placed on the Red List of endangered species. Sightings of resident birds are to be sent to our Chairman Mr Vince Flannely
Our panel of experts can and will give you or your group assistance and advice in grouse management, habitat management and vermin control. Other committee members are always available to help you so all you have to do is ask. Here are some of the areas we can assist and help you in
• setting up your grouse projects
• preparing and explaining the benefits of establishing management plans for your site
• supply of predator management equipment at reduced cost
• supply of pertinent literature and other relevant materials
Invitation to our seminars and demonstration days – especially in the area of habitat management
Representation of Grouse Project Groups at local and national level
Annual Grouse Conservation Award – The Irish Red Grouse Association together with Countryside Alliance Ireland are offering a Trophy together with €500 prize money to the Grouse Project Group which has made the greatest progress each year. Groups are invited to make a short presentation concerning their project which will be independently judged. Irish Red Grouse Association Contacts:
Chairman: Honorary Secretary:
Mr Kevin Kyne Mr John F M Leech
Lakyle Ballygarraun House, Craughwell
Craughwell
Co Galway Co Galway
Tel: 087 9598571 Tel: 086 2382919
E.mail: [email protected] E.mail: [email protected]
