Research carried out by the GWCT underpins all aspects of its work and is what makes it unique. The scientists at the Trust are respected across the UK and Europe, which was reflected recently when the Artemisan Foundation of Spain invited GWCT Director of Research, Nick Sotherton and Wetlands Ecologist Carlos Sánchez to speak at its launch presentation in Madrid. During this presentation, Nick Sotherton explained that GWCT research aims to restore declining populations of game and wildlife and produce sustainable harvests of game species and pointed out how the GWCT has contributed to the conservation of British wildlife, “many options of the current Agri-environment Schemes in England were developed by us”.
The Artemisan Foundation incorporates hunting, agriculture and environmental organisations across Spain and it has been recently established to develop applied research projects with the main objective of creating a better understanding of game species, their habitats and management.
Since 2015 the GWCT has been working with the Foundation, consulting on research methods and opportunities as it tackles the decline of some small game populations and other conservation issues in Spain.
Among the research projects that the Foundation aims to develop in the next few years, is a study of the financial benefits of hunting in Spain and game species and habitat conservation. Artemisan is inspired by the GWCT’s approach and aims to conduct similar research on habitat management, control of predators and sustainable shooting.
The Trust will be working with Artemisan offering its advisory services and potential opportunities for research student exchange.
Commenting on the visit Carlos Sánchez said, “working with the Artemisan Foundation will be very interesting. To be involved with this organisation at the start of its efforts to raise awareness of the conservation and wildlife issues will also provide the Trust with several opportunities.”
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. 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:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk