Black grouse and capercaillie code of conduct

Black grouse displaying at lek at the RSPB Abernethy Forest nature reserve

Please follow these guidelines in addition to the Birdwatchers' Code of Conduct, and always ensure that you have the landowner's permission before entering private land.

The black grouse and capercaillie are in serious trouble. Numbers are now so low in the UK that they are at risk of extinction in many areas: the capercaillie could be lost from Britain within the next two decades.

'Patience and respecting the needs of the birds will often be rewarded with good views'

These birds need all the help they can get, so as birdwatchers, it is vital that we take our responsibilities seriously and avoid harming these wonderful but scarce birds.

Conservation groups and leading birdwatching magazines have drawn up this code of conduct. We want everyone to enjoy the countryside and its birdlife and hope that everyone who wishes to see the black grouse and capercaillie will observe this code.

Patience and respecting the needs of the birds will often be rewarded with good views.

What can I do?

Get close to black grouse at one of our Aren't birds brilliant! events across the UK

See black grouse in the wild

Bird guide

Downloads

Black grouse and capercaillie. A birdwatchers' code of conduct (98Kb): Advice leaflet