On Brontë country’s moors, the end of grouse shooting is in sight

Campaigners against bloodsports hail 'landmark decision' by Yorkshire Water, the largest landowner in the county, to review leases

The Glorious Twelfth may soon be a little quieter in Bronti country. Animal welfare groups are hailing a "landmark" decision by Yorkshire's largest landowner to review the leasing of its land to grouse shoots.

In addition to potentially spelling the end of shoots on land owned by Yorkshire Water, campaigners say it will improve the biodiversity and sustainability of the moors because gamekeepers will no longer burn heather to create the ideal conditions for the birds, something that can damage the underlying peat.