2018: Grouse shooting ended on Ilkley Moor
Bradford Council became the first high-profile landowner to implement a grouse shooting ban as a direct result of campaigning by Wild Moors.
Whilst moorland restoration is still in the early stages the moor has already started to see the return of cornerstone species, including short-eared owls, red kites, ravens, grey partridges, foxes and badgers. The population of red grouse and waders, such as curlew and lapwing, also remain stable.
An ambitious natural flood management project has started on the moor in 2020 to restore a large section of blanket bog which has been damaged by historic heather burning and draining. This involves the installation of small dams, blocking drainage channels and extensive sphagnum moss planting to help re-wet the peatland and slow the rate of water flowing from the moor into Wharfedale. Additional benefits include capturing carbon, boosting biodiversity for species such as dunlin and preventing wildfires through creating a fire-resistant habitat.