What is Living Heritage?
Living Heritage refers to the traditions, practices, landscapes, and skills that define a nation’s identity and are passed down through generations.
More Than a Sport Community Grouse Conservation and Shooting is a living upland land-use tradition. It involves year-round habitat management, wildlife stewardship, the training of working dogs, and seasonal shooting. It is sustained collectively by interconnected communities across the UK.
Why Recognition Matters When recognized in the inventory of Living Heritage, the value of this practice goes far beyond recreation - it becomes acknowledged as part of Britain’s national story.
The 5 Pillars of Value
Why We Are Protecting This Tradition
01
Living Rural Heritage
Part of Britain’s countryside history since the Victorian era, preserving traditional skills such as gamekeeping, habitat management, and moorland craftsmanship.
02
Iconic Landscapes
Our managed moorlands form a distinctive and globally recognised British landscape. Conservation practices help maintain heather moors, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats.
03
Social & Community Value
The practice reduces isolation by creating strong social networks and shared traditions. It brings together local communities, visitors, and rural workers across generations.
04
Health & Wellbeing
Participation promotes mental wellbeing through time spent in nature and encourages physical endurance through outdoor activity and walking.
05
Knowledge & Education
It offers opportunities for learning about conservation, ecology, and land stewardship, while supporting rural employment and local economies.