Positive signs for black grouse numbers in Angus Glens
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reporting encouraging results from its recent black grouse lek counts in the Angus Glens with a significant increase in male black grouse numbers from previous years.
During spring, FLS staff kept a close eye on the leks – traditional display sites where the males strut, posture and fight in front of the females – and counted the males as they abandoned their usual secretive behaviour to gather at the breeding spots.
FLS Environment Forester Gareth Ventress said:
“Counts from the lek season have been very positive for 2026. We have seen a significant increase in the number of males and greyhens at the lek sites on FLS managed land across the glens. With volunteers from FLS, we were able to confirm a minimum of 75 males lekking with potentially more than 80. This is up from 44 in 2025 and surpasses by some way the previous high tally of 57 males from 2024.
“Displaying males take great risks to attract females, becoming more conspicuous and vocal, making this the ideal time for conducting population counts.”
Black grouse are recognised as one of Scotland’s most endangered birds and listed on the UK Red List. Historically common, the Scottish population plummeted due to habitat loss and intensive land management.
Black grouse need a complex mosaic of habitats including native woodlands and more open scrubby habitats. The landscape scale habitat restoration that FLS is doing across the Angus Glens – expanding native woodlands, improving open habitats through cattle grazing and re-wetting drained land, and restoring rivers and peatlands – will support conservation efforts for vulnerable species like black grouse.
Gareth added:
“Habitat restoration and enhancement on a landscape scale is key to assisting the survival of this species.
“By working with our neighbours and partners to restore the habitat to optimal conditions for the black grouse we hope to see this magnificent bird go from strength to strength in the years ahead within the Angus Glens.”
Background
FLS work in the Angus Glens aims to expand native woodlands through all the natural altitudinal zones, improve rivers and peatlands, and support a diverse range of plant and animal species. It also focuses on strengthening climate resilience and delivering benefits for people through education, responsible recreation, and positive impacts on local communities and the economy.
Learn more about what FLS is doing across the Angus Glens: Angus Glens Programme
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot