05 February 2013

Courses to focus on predator control

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Drumochter lodge near Dalwhinnie will be the venue for two vital practical training courses for land managers on Thursday March 14.

Following on from its series of very popular snare training days, the Trust will be delivering a morning session on crow control and an afternoon session on mustelid control both of which will be run by Hugo Straker, senior adviser with GWCT.

The morning’s course (10a.m. – 1p.m.) will be focussing on crow control and the latest suite of General Licences which is very relevant for landowners, managers and keepers in today’s ever-changing political climate. This course will include a practical session on the legal aspects of corvid control and the use of Larsen traps, Larsen “mates” and multi-catch crow cages.

The afternoon session (1.30p.m. – 4p.m.) will focus on mustelid control, specifically tunnel trapping.

A short written test will conclude these first-class sessions and successful candidates will receive a GWCT certificate which should help towards an estate’s due diligence paper trail. Cost per delegate, per course is £55 plus VAT.

“It is essential that anyone practicing gamekeeping, wildlife or land management is fully aware of their training needs,” said Hugo.

“These sessions will highlight the fundamental importance of animal welfare and will provide a clear legal steer as well as useful hands-on tips through practical demonstrations.”

For further information and to book either or both of these training courses, please contact Irene Johnston, tel: 01738 551511or email: scottishhq@gwct.org.uk


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. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish 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:

Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com