Black Grouse Habitat

This is classic black grouse habitat, a mixture of open ground and woodland, with scattered broadleaved regeneration in the pinewood to the right. The plantation to the left has partially failed. It is interesting that some of our best wildlife habitats arise when forestry plantings do not establish properly! Diversity in woodlands is very important. Open space should be designed in to all significant plantings, although, as here, mother nature very often decides where that space is best situated. If this plantation had been 100% stocked, the black grouse would probably not be there at the moment.