Grouse shoot confusion

THE GLORIOUS 12th might not be so glorious this year – at least not if DEFRA has anything to do with it.

DEFRA’s cross-compliance handbook for England, which sets out shooting seasons, suggests that the close season for grouse includes Aug 12.

Readers contacted farmers weekly – concerned this would rule out shooting on what is famously the first day of the season, the day known as “The Glorious 12th”.

A DEFRA spokeswoman confirmed the season remains unchanged, but admitted a lack of clarity over whether the dates were exclusive had sparked the confusion.