We have had a favourable time here on the Pennines throughout late May and June and the Grouse chicks seem to have done well. The felling is that the broods are on average slightly smaller than last year as I predicted, although some good sized broods have been seen on certain moors.
On the North York Moors there has been quite a bit more rain than on the Pennines which is a good thing as it will keep these generally drier moors damper, both from an insect point of view and to reduce potential fire risk which will be significant this year with the extraordinary heather kill that has occurred from cold salt laden eastern winds in March/early April.
There is some report of tick being seen with the drier warmer weather on the North York Moors, whereas last year there was practically no evidence of tick, and I believe the tick may have some impact on one or two moors this year.
Overall I would say the prospects for the season are good although the Grouse are generally between ten days and two weeks behind normal. Again, whilst we would like plenty of sun, I hope we don’t get any very high temperatures which could cause problems on the North York Moors.
Adrian Thornton-Berry
July 2013