Scottish conference takes the lead on wildlife conservation

2010 marks the International Year of Biodiversity and conservationists across the world are being mobilised to reduce the constant loss of biological diversity worldwide.  Adding to the debate on this topic, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust will be presenting its latest research findings on game and wildlife conservation in Scotland at its Annual Conference on 19 March 2010 in Inverness.

Presentations on how game and wildlife conservation success has been achieved on a variety of award winning properties will be complemented by conference delegates having the opportunity to hear the views of Mr Richard Lochhead, MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs who will outline the Scottish Government’s current thinking on wildlife management in a working landscape.

Talks at the conference will focus on the practical implications of the Trust’s pioneering game and wildlife research that demonstrates the importance of game and its conservation to the Scottish countryside.  The work of Trust scientist Dr Andrew Hoodless, has been unlocking some of the mysteries surrounding the elusive woodcock.  Hugo Straker will explain how Scotland is a major stronghold for the British woodcock population and future research aims to investigate how restructuring of conifer plantations, once they reach maturity, affect woodcock numbers. 

Other fascinating research included in the programme will cover red grouse, the benefits of woodland management and a new research project that is monitoring pine martens in capercaillie woods. In addition, Dr Nick Sotherton, Director of Research with the Trust will look at the evolution and decline of Atlantic salmon and will explain how the Trust’s ground-breaking research on the River Frome in Dorset could be of direct relevance to declining Scottish salmon stocks.

This popular conference – now in its fifteenth year - is being chaired by the Trust’s Scottish Chairman, Mr Alasdair Laing and is kindly sponsored by Turcan Connell, Saffery Champness and Sportsman Game Feeds.  The conference, which attracts a wide range of delegates including landowners, sporting enthusiasts, practitioners, and conservationists is being held at the Drumossie Hotel, Old Perth Road, Inverness on Friday 19th March 2010. The conference   starts at 10.00am until 4.00pm and costs £40 per person including lunch.

For further information, or to book a place, please contact: Irene Johnston on 01828 650543 or email: ijohnston@gwct.org.uk. 

If you would like to book a place at the conference please click below:

Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. We employ 14 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming and statistics.  We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.   The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For Information, contact
Morag Walker, Head of Media
Telephone: 01425-652381
Direct:  01425-651000
Mobile: 07736-124097   

Dr Adam Smith 01828-650779    
asmith@gwct.org.uk