A review of grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor has been welcomed by a group dedicated to the moor’s conservation.

The Friends of Ilkley Moor group, which was set up shortly after a ten-year lease was granted by landowner Bradford Council, has called for a break clause to be invoked.

They are unhappy with the way some dog walkers have been treated by gamekeepers – particularly during bird nesting season. And they are also concerned about land management work undertaken by Bingley Moor Partnership, which was awarded the lease in 2008.

Owen Wells, chairman of Friends of Ilkley Moor, told the Telegraph & Argus, that the group had initially adopted a neutral position regarding the shoot, but after a number of allegations and concerns, it had changed its stance.

He said: “We are very pleased that there is going to be a review and this break clause offers a good opportunity for the Council’s countryside service to evaluate the benefits of the shoot.”

The break clause allows the Council to end the agreement with the partnership any time after five years, with six months notice.

Councillor Ian Greenwood said: “In considering whether to operate the break clause we need to be confident that if we move forward with the shoots, that they will be operated in such a way to ensure the widest possible access to the moor.”

Edward Bromet, of the Bingley Moor Partnership, said shoots took place on Ilkley Moor for six days last season for a couple of hours each time, meanwhile it carried out management on the moor 365 days a year.

He said: “Over the past five years we have restored very large areas of Ilkley Moor.

“We have also been carrying out pest and predator management which has improved the numbers of all ground nesting birds on the moor. All these things would not happen if there is no lease.”