United Utilities to end shooting of grouse on its land

The Warrington-based water company, which supplies water across the north west of England, has made an announcement regarding the shooting of grouse on its land.

It has been announced that by 2027 at the latest, all licences to shoot grouse on land owned by United Utilities will not be renewed.

United Utilities is based in Great Sankey (Image: Newsquest)

This move comes as the result of a company review in Spring this year, with a decision made to not allow grouse shooting to continue once current licences expire.

United Utilities is England's largest corporate landowner, and grouse shooting remains legal on a number of its sites - though those licences have expiry dates between now and 2027, the company says.

Louise Beardmore, CEO of United Utilities, stated “We made a commitment that we would no longer renew any existing shooting leases on a long-term basis and that has guided our approach over the last couple of years.

"I can now also confirm that we will not issue any new shooting leases as United Utilities as we go forward.”

Luke Steele, executive director of Wild Moors, responded to the announcement: “The world is fast moving in a direction where restoring land for nature, carbon capture and people is at the forefront of tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

“As England’s largest corporate landowner, United Utilities has risen to the challenge of creating a wilder and more diverse future for the uplands, and we commend the company for its decision to end grouse shooting on its moors.

"We now urge other landowners to follow on.”

As of 2027 at the latest, grouse shooting licences will no longer be issued on United Utilities' land, which includes land in Bowland, Burnley, Buxton, Glossop, and near Chorley, too.

The move has not been welcomed by all, however.

Duncan Thomas, British Association for Shooting and Conservation North director, said: “The decision has been made behind the scenes with no consultation with the wider rural community.

“Shoots have worked closely with United Utilities for decades, this decision is an insult to all that proactive and practical work.

“There is anger and frustration across the board. Jobs will be lost, the rural economy will suffer and hands-on conservation projects overseen by the shoots will cease.

"It’s a disaster for wildlife and habitats. It is a travesty for practical conservation.

“United Utilities has significantly damaged its local reputation with a decision that makes a mockery of its apparent vision for thriving uplands.

“United Utilities staff on the ground appeared unaware of the decision and were still working with shoot members up until the announcement last week.

"It’s an action that will make it very difficult for United Utilities staff to operate in the rural and farming community with any credibility.”

United Utilities is based at Mere Business Park, in Great Sankey.