THE management of grouse moors in both of North Yorkshire’s National Parks has been singled out for praise in a major study of Britain’s uplands.

The Foundation for Common Land is leading a national drive to care for and protect the country’s most beautiful and vulnerable high ground.

It carried out the study as part of its aim to improve long-term working relations between all those with an interest in the fragile and complex uplands.

A key finding was that a pragmatic approach was paramount to reaching multiple successful outcomes for all interested parties.

And that was particularly demonstrated in two case studies where strong evidence of the benefits of grouse shooting was revealed - Danby in the North York Moors and West Arkengarthdale in the Yorkshire Dales.

Executive director of the foundation, Julia Aglionby, said: “The report shows that managing the uplands for grouse, alongside other objectives, can be successful for all.

“It is this respect for all outcomes that makes these two case studies excellent examples for others to learn from.”

The project concluded that respectful and long enduring relationships between individuals and groups were at the heart of delivering better outcomes on upland commons.

The director of the Moorland Association, Amanda Anderson, said the report – called Better Outcomes for Upland Commons – showed landowners were “lynchpin players” acting for all interests.

She added: “Key lessons from the two moors included supporting upland farmers, trust, communication and respect for people’s interest in the common.

“The Yorkshire case studies pointed to tangible gains to the economy and vital land management issues.

“These include predator and bracken control, well managed sheep flocks and wildlife habitats, as well as maintaining or improving the quality of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

“In both cases there is evidence of good numbers of the precious curlew, lapwing, golden plover and merlin species.”

She also welcomed positive moves to benefit from the case studies and secure future working relationships across the uplands.

For further information - and the full Danby and West Arkengarthdale studies - visit the website foundationforcommonland.org.uk/better-outcomes-on-upland-commons