Grounds For Optimism: Grouse Faring Prospects for 2026

After several challenging years, grouse enters 2026 with renewed confidence. Improved stocks following 2025, cautious optimism around winter conditions, and stronger leadership across the moorland sector are combining to lift spirits. While risks remain - from weather to policy pressures - the outlook is brighter than it has been for some time.

Winter Weather and Grouse Health

The winter to date has been broadly positive for grouse health, even if it has not delivered the ideal conditions. Grouse thrive best in cold, dry weather, conditions that help suppress the strongyle worm - arguably the single greatest threat to grouse populations.

While we would certainly welcome a colder and drier spell, forecasts from the Met Office suggest an overall dry period, even if current conditions feel rather less convincing. A mild, wet winter is precisely what grouse managers hope to avoid, as it allows worm burdens to increase, undermining bird condition ahead of the breeding season.

Despite this, the winter so far has not been damaging, and there is cautious confidence that grouse will come through in reasonable shape.

Recovery After a Difficult 2024

Grouse numbers on many moors showed a welcome improvement in 2025 following the disastrous breeding season of 2024. Although stock levels remain below the ideal on some moors, they are undoubtedly stronger than they have been for the past couple of years.

This improvement alone has lifted spirits across the sector. Experience tells us that even a modest stock of grouse, if it overwinters well and is followed by a favourable spring and early summer, can deliver a good to very good season.

Should weather conditions align with healthy existing numbers, 2026 has the potential to be genuinely strong - and in some cases, exceptional.

Confidence Returning to the Moorland Community

As a result, there is noticeably more confidence among moor owners, managers, and grouse keepers. No one is suggesting a full return to the stock levels seen four or five years ago, but the prevailing mood is far more optimistic than it has been for some time.

This shift in outlook matters. Confidence encourages investment, careful planning, and long-term thinking- essential ingredients for sustainable grouse moor management.

After several challenging years, simply feeling that progress is possible again is a powerful motivator.

Leadership, Policy, and Determination

In England, the sector also feels more determined than it has in recent years, having faced restriction after restriction under successive governments.

A significant factor in this renewed resolve has been stronger leadership from the Moorland Association. Legal challenges to further heather-burning restrictions, combined with numerous applications from moors seeking permission to burn, have injected fresh momentum.

There is a sense - perhaps for the first time in a while - that the industry is beginning to push back rather than simply react.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The grouse themselves are looking good, stocks are improving, and confidence is returning. From our perspective, the ingredients are in place for a positive 2026 season.

With a bit of luck from the weather and continued determination on the ground, grouse faring may yet remind us just how resilient it can be.

To find grouse opportunities ahead of next season, visit William Powell Sporting.