The uplands are under more pressure than ever – shifting land‑use, policy restrictions, changing weather patterns, biodiversity concerns, and public scrutiny. Effective moorland management needs both rigorous evidence-based science and practical ‘boots on the ground’ ecological understanding. This is where the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to ecological advisory services. Backed by our own inhouse Uplands Research Department, we can bring the most up to date, relevant advice to your estate, shoot or farm.
How we can help you…
GROUSE MONITORING SERVICES
Pre and Post Breeding Grouse Population Monitoring
Carried out with specially trained pointing dogs, experienced handles can conduct spring counts to determine the number of pairs pre breeding, and repeat in July to determine the numbers and sizes of broods as an indicator of breeding success. The results can then be used to produce an estimate of the total grouse population and any potential shootable surplus.
Strongyle Worm and Caecal Egg Counts
During the grouse shooting season, we are able to examine the guts of shot grouse for the presence and abundance of strongyle worms. We are also able to examine grouse caecal for the presence of worm eggs throughout the year. If required, our reports can form the basis for obtaining a prescription for medicated grit from a vet.
Louping-ill Testing
We are able to offer two tests for the prevalence of louping-ill virus in various game species. The first is a haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test, which involves taking blood samples from freshly shot birds to determine if that individual animal has antibodies for louping-ill, indicating that the individual has been infected by the virus at some point in its life. The second is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which uses brain tissue to determine whether the individual was infected with the virus at the point of death.
Predator Control Assessments
We recognise the importance of the of targeted, legal and humane predation control for the benefit of game and wildlife. Our professional Advisors can provide tailored advice to estates on best practice predator control through carrying out comprehensive audits of your estate or farm. These reports can help to identify any potential shortfalls, provide recommendations and help to demonstrate that you have undertaken all reasonable steps to ensure no wildlife crime is committed.
Peat Depth Surveys
An initial desk study using refined spatial datasets locates and classifies areas of peatland which then serves as a basis for a detailed on-site survey of peat depths using specialised equipment. The resulting maps from this survey offer a highly accurate classification of land which can then be submitted as part of a licence application.
Vegetation surveys
Our trained Advisors can carry out comprehensive surveys on upland moorland and hill fringe areas to assess the structure and cover of current vegetation. Used as part of a long term monitoring programme these surveys can show change over time which can help to guide grazing strategies, stocking densities and moorland vegetation management.
Ornithological Surveys
Understanding the distribution and breeding success of species such as waders and raptors is critical for effective conservation and management strategies. We provide a variety of specialised bird surveys tailored to specific habitats and species, including, but not limited to:
- Breeding bird surveys
- Moorland bird surveys
- Raptor surveys
- Black grouse lek surveys
- Red grouse surveys
- Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
Biodiversity audits are field surveys undertaken by our Advisors who have special training in ecological assessment. They identify habitats and assess their condition against criteria set by Defra, before assigning them a number of ‘units’ . Unlike some online or app-based natural capital services, we put boots on the ground to identify habitat types and species with high accuracy and assess the real-time condition of habitats. The field survey is followed by desk analysis and a written report, setting out how many biodiversity units your farm or estate contains and the potential tradeable ‘uplift’ in units you could achieve by creating or improving habitats.
The importance of voluntary adherence to current legislation and recognised best-practice guidelines can be easily documented through our Data Management Services. Our digital, cloud-based data-collection solution provides estates and farms with a much needed resource to log activities carried out on their ground. The service, which uses a mobile app, can be tailored to meet virtually any needs. All data collected belongs solely to the client and is held in strict confidence by GWCT. With regular reporting done by Advisors which offers a summary and interpretation of the data.
Popular projects currently include:
- Predation Management and Pest Control Records
- Muirburn Records
- Conservation Records
- Red Grouse Management Records
As with other land-based activities, many shoots face increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability and measurable biodiversity gain arising from their activities. For the great majority of shoots, this is likely to be significant where the creation of game habitats, supplementary feeding and control of predators is likely to have beneficial impacts on on other species. Statements of “best practice” are also increasingly important in discussions with conservation agencies and addressing criticism of the game shooting industry.
To address this, the GWCT’s experienced team of Advisors offer bespoke Shoot Biodiversity Assessments aimed at providing tailored independent reports on best practice and biodiversity gain on individual shoots.
Training Courses
Our Advisors run a series of courses throughout the year on a wide range of topics, covering game management, biodiversity and conservation. Successful candidates receive a GWCT certificate of completion. Some of the courses which we offer are are listed below.
- Predator control training – inc fox control, spring (tunnel) trapping, covid control and mink control best practice and current legislation
- BASIS in game management
- BASIS in conservation management
- Part time keepers course
- Rodenticide use
- Grouse health and disease
Our services are not just about data collection, they are about contributing to the long-term conservation and management of UK habitats. To find out more or to discuss any of the above services, please use the below details to contact us.