A historic agreement has been signed to protect heather moorland and the wildlife it supports.

The Moorland Association and English Nature have joined forces to recognise the contribution that management of heather moorland for grouse shooting makes to the conservation of the important habitat.

The two bodies will now work together to secure the sustainable future of the remaining heather moorland in England, including large tracts of the Durham dales.

Recent research has shown that some moors managed for grouse have higher densities of breeding golden plover, curlew and lapwing than moors that are not managed for grouse.

Simon Bostock, chairman of the Moorland Association, which represents 750,000 acres of the remaining 800,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales, said: "The Memorandum of Understanding between our organisations sets out a three-year action plan to safeguard and enhance the conservation value of moorland while retaining the sporting interest of grouse moors.

"The value of sympathetic burning regimes, for example, is recognised by us all, but work is required at the local level to define best burning practices."

Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of English Nature, said: "We welcome this initiative and acknowledge the considerable contribution that management for grouse shooting over the past 150 years has made, and is making, to the conservation of heather moorland and a range of nationally and internationally important species in England.