Ballinluig Village Hall, central Perthshire, will be the venue for the final Scottish Government approved fox and rabbit snaring training course to be run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) in 2013.
Having successfully trained hundreds of gamekeepers, shepherds, pest controllers and other wildlife managers to set snares in full compliance of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act, the GWCT is holding one last training day for those snare operators who have not yet got to grips with their legal obligations.
To be held on Friday, October 25, from 10am – 1.30pm, the course will bring game and wildlife managers fully up to speed with the latest legislation and essential training requirements.
“There is now a legal obligation for anyone wishing to set a snare to sit a Scottish Government approved training course,” said Hugo Straker, senior advisor with GWCT and course leader.
“Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate which must then be presented to the local police who in turn will issue the individual with a unique ID number. Since Ist April 2013 it has been illegal to set a fox or rabbit snare without the operator's ID number attached.
“It is essential that anyone practicing gamekeeping, wildlife or land management is fully aware of their training needs. This session 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. I would urge everyone, however rarely they may need to set a snare, to book onto this course as we will be unable to train individuals on a one to one basis.”
Cost for snare training is £40 + VAT per person.
For further information and to book your place on this last opportunity the GWCT has to offer this year, please contact Irene Johnston, tel: 01738 551511 or email: scottishhq@gwct.org.uk.
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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