The fine weather has been good for red grouse numbers

This fine weather means that red grouse numbers are up by an average of 25% on last year, according to the Moorland Association.

Simon Bostock, who chairs the association, said: "Strong populations are very good news for moor owners and the local economy that relies on income from shooting customers."

Good numbers of grouse are reported in Nidderdale, Wharfedale, Airedale, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Other birds

But localised rainstorms in the middle of May damaged brood sizes is some areas of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Grouse populations in the Peak District were expected to dip this year but it is reported that this may not be the case.

Many other birds that rely on the moors to breed are also doing well this year.

These include golden plover, lapwing, curlew snipe, merlin, nightjar, dunlin and redshank.