03 January 2019

Still hope for wildlife if we act now – says GWCT advisor

Bob V Shooting School

WITH wildlife declining in Wales at an alarming rate, an advisor for GWCT says there is still hope.

Matt Goodall explained at a dinner near Pwllheli, Plas Bodegroes last month that the Trust, proven through its 80 years of scientific-based research, can deliver a biodiversity-rich countryside.

Curlew is among the list of threatened species which has dropped by 81% in numbers over a 13-year period.

“We are at a tipping point where some species may be lost in Wales within a decade or two if nothing is done,” stressed Matt.

“Ultimately, our research focuses on working closely with farmers so that wildlife can thrive alongside a viable farming business, which is crucial as over 80% of the land in Wales is farmed.

“If increasing wildlife loses the farmer money, where is the incentive? We have proven it is possible to increase wildlife, while maintaining profitability, that is the solution. 

Rupert Bevan, chair of the North Wales GWCT committee, explained that more focus was needed in delivering the conservation message which is all funded from the private purse.

He said: “We need to speak up and get our messages across better in Wales to help people understand why we use the tools that enable us to increase biodiversity to maintain a healthy countryside.”

Matt is hopeful that, as a new Land Management Programme is developed post Brexit, GWCT Wales will be sat at the right tables, influencing the future schemes.

GWCT Wales’ next fundraising event takes place on Saturday, February 9th at The Grousemoor Country House, Llandegla, Denbighshirer.

To book, visit https://www.gwct.org.uk/events/calendar/2019/february/clwyd-valley-dinner/

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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