DAMAGE caused by severe late frosts on the North York Moors last year is likely to have an impact on this year's grouse shooting season which started yesterday (Tuesday), said George Winn-Darley, who manages 6,500 acres of the moors.

As a result, only "an average" season is predicted this year, he said.

But the shooting season is with some £67 million to the rural economy, and responsible for more than 1,500 jobs. "It creates 42,500 days of work a year. With the prospects of a strong season for many moors, associated spin-offs will be in excess of £15 million - essential earnings in challenging economic time," said Mr Winn-Darley whose Spaunton Manor Estate around the picturesque villages of Appleton-le-Moors, Lastingham, and Spaunton, also benefits from "remarkable gains" for fauna and flora on the moors, he said.

"So many people benefit from the food industry to hoteliers, clothing manufacturers to dry stone wallers. Grouse shooting alone results in 700 full time jobs, with a further 800 linked directly to the industry."

On the North York Moors, the Moorland Association (MA) of which he is a leading member, works with the Government's Natural Heritage agency. "We are committed to restoring blanket bog habitats, damaged by wildfires, over grazing and historic drainage which is also mitigating the severe impact of climate change.

"Without grouse moor management, many moors would revert to scrub and forest."

Meanwhile the MA says that moorland owners are committed to a £52.5 million pound spend on conservation and seriously threatened species.

Nationally, said Mr Winn-Darley the country's moorland owners like himself were committed to a £52.5 million annual spend on conservation and safeguarding seriously threatened species.