RED GROUSE AND A UK NATIONAL BIRD

That this House notes there has never been an officially recognised bird of the UK; recognises that states such as India and New Zealand have such officially recognised birds, namely the Indian Peacock and the Kiwi, respectively; further recognises that a national bird provides a unique focal point through which a nation can express its pride of and concern for its natural heritage; acknowledges that the native Red Grouse is the only bird on this planet which exclusively inhabits the heather moors of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; believes that a national bird will generate a wide range of self-sustaining benefits in the environmental, civic, commerical and tourist sectors; affirms that for the Red Grouse to be credibly, authoritatively and permanently appointed as the UK's national bird the Government needs officially to recognise it as such; and duly calls on the Government to endorse the UK National Bird Campaign.