A unique experimental grouse management and research programme was officially last year. The project involves the leasing of a total of 480 hectares of Coillte-owned mountain and plantation to the National Regional Game Council (NRGC) for a ten-year period. This land will be managed to enhance the habitat and population of grouse in the area.

The project was initiated in January 2001, when the South Leitrim Regional Game Councils Grouse Management Committee approached Coillte regarding the leasing of suitable areas for the programme and Sliabh an Iarainn presented huge wildlife conservation value for red grouse.

A preliminary survey of the proposed area was conducted by NRGC personnel, who concluded that the area was very suitable for their project. Of the 480 hectares, 275 is open upland moorland containing Calluna vulgaris (ling heather). The remainder is planted with lodgepole pine of similar age, but with varying yield classes. This low yield class "red area", with varying tree heights, stocking rates and canopy closure, is in effect, mimicking the edges of a natural forest, which would be part of the natural habitat of the grouse. This forested area will provide excellent shelter for the grouse. In addition, the diversity of topography and vegetation types across the area, and the presence of lakes further enhances the area as a suitable habitat for grouse.

After the survey was conducted, a decision was made to lease the area as a partnership project between the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), Coillte, and Dúchas. A management plan was then compiled. Some of the objectives include:

• Strip burning to improve heather quality;
• Predator control;
• Erection of signage; and
• Dawn counts of grouse numbers.

In addition to the objectives currently set out in the management plan, further outside expertise will be sought, to maximise the benefits of the habitat for the grouse species. Mr. David Baines, a Biologist, and head of Grouse Research, Game Conservancy Trust in Scotland, will be providing input to the project. He and his team are due to visit the site in the near future to offer their expert advice.

Coillte are delighted to be part of this project. Not only will it help protect endangered grouse habitats, it will also provide an invaluable educational tool for Coillte Staff in one of the many aspects of biodiversity and nature conservation.