The Black Grouse Species Action Plan Group was formed to implement the actions given in the Biodiversity Action Plan for this species.A wide range of measures are being applied to protect black grouse.These include the appointment of project officers, concerned with woodland grouse in the Highlands and in Argyll and work on developing alternatives to deer fencing to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into fences.Through the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme, stewardship grants are made available in support of Biodiversity Action Plans to improve woodland biodiversity, meeting 60% of the standard costs (90% for special areas), of eligible forest operations such as fence removal.The award of almost £2.5 million from the EU LIFE-Nature fund in July 2002 supports a five-year project, which although focusing on capercaillie, will benefit all woodland grouse.The draft Nature Conservation Bill outlines proposals to protect established lek sites, crucial to the breeding success of the capercaillie and black grouse.