The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has long been regarded as a provider of first-class training and to round off a busy 2014, senior adviser Hugo Straker will be leading another practical and informative course focusing on snaring on Friday 28 November near Grantown-on-Spey.
The past few years have seen ever increasing complexity in the licensing and legal regulations governing predator control techniques, throwing up new questions and creating grey areas. To address this, our best practice courses seek to ensure that predator control is carried out according to all the relevant legal requirements and best practice codes.
“This training day is an opportunity – especially for young lads in new jobs or entering the profession, as well as more experienced snare operators who have slipped through the net – to be fully compliant with various aspects under the WaNE Act,” said Hugo.
The session will take the form of the Scottish Government approved GWCT fox and rabbit snaring training course to bring participants up to speed with the latest legislation and the now-compulsory requirements when setting snares.
“In Scotland, training in the use of snares became obligatory in 2013,” explained Hugo. “This course covers all legal aspects, the methods employed including equipment required and best practice, practical hints and tips, and an outdoor demonstration. At the end there is a short test which, if passed, will result in a Certificate of Attendance. Successful candidates should then present the certificate to the local police who, in turn, will issue the individual with a unique ID number.”
It became illegal to set a fox or rabbit snare after 1 April 2013 without the operator’s ID number attached.
Places are limited on this course, which costs £48 inc VAT per person. Book your place online or contact Irene Johnston, tel: 01738 551511, email: ijohnston@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