A simple lie beats a complex truth far too often for the future safety of our countryside. The RSPB’s remorseless attacks on grouse moors and rotational heather burning are classic examples. According to them, rotational cool heather burning burns peat, causes floods, destroys biodiversity, drives global warming and is the same as burning tropical rainforest or the lethal and catastrophic wildfires that raged through Australia and California.
None of these assertions – which are easy to make and, coming from RSPB, often believed – is true. However, their refutation takes time and thought, which few people are prepared to give.
Does it matter? Yes, it does. What is at stake is not simply grouse shooting but the survival of our heather moorland, the rare and precious wildlife it supports and the communities of reasonable people whose chosen way of life this threatens to destroy.
Although the RSPB repeatedly refers to grouse moors as ‘industrial landscapes’, nothing could be further from the truth. They are replete with designations: Site of Special Scientific Interest; Special Area of Conservation; Special Protection Area; many have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or fall into National Parks. They were recognised internationally in the Rio Convention. Crucially, they acquired their designations because they were grouse moors, not despite being grouse moors.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays