The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has inadvertently provided an ideal setting for a captivating mating ritual by the endangered black grouse.

Nestled within the Garelochhead Training Centre in Scotland, the firing range has become an unexpected stage for the black grouse to showcase their intricate mating dance, known as the ‘lek’.

As dawn breaks, the unmistakable ‘rookoo’ calls of these iconic Scottish birds resonate across the Garelochhead Training Centre and its surrounding uplands. With their striking red eyebrows and distinctive white under-tail feathers, the male black grouse captivate both local birdwatchers and military personnel with their enchanting displays.

During the mating season, male black grouse congregate on the short grass areas of the firing range at dawn and dusk, engaging in elaborate dances to attract females observing from the nearby tall grass. Amidst the choreographed performances, occasional skirmishes erupt between rival males vying for attention.

Maintained by DIO’s industry partner Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), the meticulously groomed grassland of the firing range not only facilitates live fire training but has also evolved into a favored habitat for black grouse.

Despite their newfound sanctuary at Garelochhead, black grouse populations continue to decline rapidly across the UK, earning them a spot on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. However, their adaptation to the firing range environment presents a promising development for black grouse conservation efforts in the region.

Lottie Birch, DIO Ecologist for Scotland and Northern Ireland, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in managing the UK Defence Training Estate. She highlighted the unique ecological diversity of sites like Garelochhead Training Centre and emphasized ongoing collaboration between DIO, Landmarc, and local conservationists to safeguard biodiversity while supporting military training activities.

To comprehensively assess the avian diversity within the training area, DIO and Landmarc commissioned a breeding bird survey in 2023. Conducted by wildlife expert John Simpson of Wild Caledonia Wildlife Surveys, the survey identified over 70 bird species, including 48 believed to be breeding. Data from the survey informs habitat conservation and land management strategies tailored to balance military training needs with environmental protection.

The Earl of Minto, Minister of State for Defence, commended efforts to preserve Scotland’s iconic wildlife while facilitating essential military training. He emphasized the government’s commitment to conserving diverse habitats across training estates nationwide.

John Simpson, the ornithologist behind the breeding bird survey, praised Garelochhead Training Centre as an exceptional haven for wildlife. He underscored the collaborative approach taken to harmonize land management with military activities, ensuring optimal conditions for nesting success and overall conservation success.

In summary, Garelochhead Training Centre stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of military training and environmental conservation, where rare black grouse perform their dazzling courtship dances amidst the firing range’s unlikely backdrop.