In general, the management plans for these projects attempt to identify the main factors affecting local Red Grouse populations, writes Martin Branagan.

At the same time, they recommend a number of management strategies aimed at improving the ecological conditions for Red Grouse.

These management strategies typically include maintaining the distribution and diversity of heather quality, increased predator control, disturbance control, population monitoring and improving public awareness.

Management of habitats and wildlife (e.g. conservation and restoration activities), Research and data collection (e.g. monitoring, bag data),

Communication and education (for different target audiences e.g. hunters, the wider public) form part of the project

The project on Sliabh an Iarainn is managed by a local hunting club