THE positive impact made by grouse moor workers will be unveiled this weekend.

Yad Moss Estate, in the South Tyne Valley, is opening its doors on Saturday for visitors to find out more about the management of the moorland estate.

The free event starts at 10.30am and will run to 3pm, with lunch provided.

In the company of the estate manager, gamekeeper and local ecologists, there will be a walk of about four miles across boggy, uneven ground.

Nick Mason, peatscapes field officer with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, said: “The estate supports a fantastic range of wildlife and a wealth of history.

“Visitors to last year’s event got up close to great wildlife like black grouse, golden plover and water vole.

We hope this year will be even more exciting.”

Alan Kitching, of the Moorland Association, said: “Moorland can often look wild and unmanaged, even empty, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“Yad Moss is teeming with wildlife that comes here to breed, attracted by the habitat we manage and benefiting from the protection provided by the gamekeepers.

“This is the best time of year to fully appreciate the positive impact that grouse moor management has on the landscape and wildlife.”

Attendance is free and by advance booking only.

Contact the AONB Partnership Staff Unit on 01388-528801 to book a place.