You may have scrolled through social media posts in August and noted a flurry of posts mentioning something called the Glorious Twelfth. But what exactly is it, and why is it considered ‘glorious’?
When is the Glorious Twelfth?
The Glorious Twelfth refers to the 12th August every year, it marks the official start of the grouse shooting season in the UK – a native game bird found across heather-covered moorlands in parts of Scotland, northern England, and Ireland.
The Glorious Twelfth dates back to 1831, when a bill for the shooting seasons of game birds was introduced into Parliament and became the Game Act. The 12th August was established as the starting season for red grouse, unless the date falls on a Sunday in which case the start of the season is delayed until the 13th as shooting is prohibited on a Sunday, with the 10th December marking its conclusion.
Why is the Glorious Twelfth so popular?
There are several factors that influence the enduring popularity of the Glorious Twelfth, including but not limited to:
The challenge: Red grouse are known for their explosive and erratic flying, often reaching speeds of up to 70 mph and darting unpredictably through the heather. This makes them a notoriously difficult target, even for an experienced shot.
Social event: Shooting parties are often made up of friends and family. Grouse shooting providing them with the opportunity to share a unique experience whilst enjoying the beauty that the countryside brings.
Tradition: Steeped in culture and rural traditions, the Glorious Twelfth marks a treasured time in British countryside diaries.
Supporting locals: The Glorious Twelfth plays a vital role in supporting the income and financial stability of rural communities in remote areas of Scotland and northern England. Grouse shooting generates substantial revenue each year, making a noteworthy contribution to the UK’s rural economy.
Is there data on Grouse shooting?
British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) latest data highlighted that more than 40,000 people take part in grouse shooting each year, with a typical day bringing together around 40 individuals from different walks of life.
BASC also estimates that almost £100 million is invested into conservation from grouse shooting in England, Wales and Scotland. Grouse shooting helps support rural and remote parts of the country, that would rarely attract tourism especially in the autumnal months.
So, it’s about grouse?
In short, yes, but there’s more to it. Grouse shooting is part of the long-standing British tradition that stretches back centuries. The Glorious Twelfth kicks off the beginning of the shooting season and is a date etched into the countryside calendar.
To those unfamiliar, it might seem unusual but for many it’s a highly anticipates day that blends heritage, sport and social events.
Why is it celebrated?
The Glorious Twelfth is less of a public celebration in the traditional sense, and more of a significant day for those involved in country life and conservation. Driven shoots are often organised months in advance and can draw in people from across the UK and overseas.
Aside from the sport itself, it’s also a nod to tradition, Grouse shooting has been practised for generations, and its presence supports thousands of jobs in gamekeeping, land management, hospitality and more.
What should you expect on the day?
If you’re not taking part yourself, the Glorious Twelfth might pass quickly, but you might spot mentions in the news and notice seasonal menus in restaurants featuring game meat. Grouse is considered a delicacy and appears in fine dining dishes from August onwards.
So, if someone mentions the Glorious Twelfth, now you know it's the official start of the grouse season steeped in tradition.
Other opening dates for the game bird season
The shooting season in the UK varies by species and region. For grouse, the season starts on the 12th August, partridges on the 1st September, and the pheasant season starts on 1st October.
What to wear for the Glorious Twelfth
Dressing for all potential weather conditions is key, the grouse moors are wild, and the weather conditions are changeable. The moors in August can vary from blistering hot to chilly to sideways rain in a blink of an eye.
Blending into your surroundings is essential, so that you’re not visible to the unaware birds. Therefore, colours such as greens, brows and mustards are your go-to colours.
We delve into what to wear for Glorious Twelfth in our latest blog, read here.
