16 February 2016

Spaces remain for GWCT rodenticide training course

Rat Feeding From HopperSome spaces remain for GWCT Rat Control for Gamekeepers training courses in Angus and Dumfries

A limited number of places remain on the rodenticide training courses being run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust  near Drumlanrig, Dumfries-shire (10th March), and Glenogil, Angus (11th March).

From July this year anyone without the proper certificate, or who does not have an alternative qualification for using aluminium phosphide gas, will be restricted to using ‘amateur-pack’ rodenticides, or reliance on traps, shooting and terriers, for the control of rats.

The Rat Control for Gamekeepers course is classroom based and includes a one-hour long multiple-choice BASIS administered exam that can be taken on the day or preferably on-line during a two week period after the course.

The course, which is jointly owned by GWCT,  Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), the Countryside Alliance, the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO), the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), is approved by the HSE.

Hugo Straker of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust says:

“This course has been put together by those directly involved in the sector for the sector and having this qualification will be an essential part of every gamekeeper’s skill set.  Successful attendees will be able to purchase and deploy second generation anticoagulant rodenticides in open rural areas as part of their integrated approach for enhancing biodiversity, the conservation of ground nesting birds, food security and of course human health.”

The course cost for members of the owning organisations is £150.00 plus VAT, discounted from the £200 plus VAT for non members, and includes course literature, training, the examination, and certificate allowing the purchase and use of professional rodenticides. 

For more information and for those wishing to attend one of the courses contact:

Irene Johnston
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish HQ
Telephone: 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