We plan to run the following best practice training courses in 2023. Successful candidates will receive a GWCT certificate to help demonstrate due diligence and responsibility as required under the W&NE Act.
Please click on the course date below to book your place. If you require any further help or require a group booking, please contact us on 0131 202 7670 or scottishhq@gwct.org.uk. You can aloso download our brochure here.
Snaring – £48 per person inc. VAT
Our latest Scottish Government approved fox and rabbit snaring course provides candidates with the necessary certificate to obtain their unique ID number, which must by law be attached to all snares set in Scotland. Fundamental to the course is the emphasis placed on welfare, in addition to best practice and legal updates.
- 28 February, 0930hrs – Finzean Hall, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6LY
- 6 March, 0930hrs – Raeshaw Estate, Galashiels, Scottish Borders, TD1 2TH
- 9 March, 0930hrs – Phoines Estate, Newtonmore, PH20 1BE
Heather Burning – £72 per person inc. VAT
This half-day course covers the latest Muirburn Code, and the aims and benefits of heather burning for upland species including grouse and grazing animals. Current legislation, including W&NE (Scotland) Act 2011, along with fire and personal safety, preparation of burning plans and out-of-season burning licences will be carefully detailed along with best practice muirburn guidance and planning.
Corvid Control (inc. vicarious liability) – £72 per person inc. VAT
Corvid control is a vital tool for countryside managers. When done well, it can be hugely beneficial to the conservation of our game and wildlife. This course has been developed to ensure those practising corvid control in Scotland can do so with the confidence that they are operating within the law whilst demonstrating due diligence and welfare considerations.
Mustelid Control (tunnel trapping) – £72 per person inc. VAT
With significant changes to tunnel trapping legislation throughout the UK, this popular course keeps trappers fully up to date with both legal and humane control issues. The session will address the legal aspects of the various methods of stoat, weasel and rodent control employed by keepers and wildlife managers, as well as the equipment required and best practice advice.
- 28 February, 1330hrs – Finzean Hall, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6LY
- 7 March, 1330hrs – Raeshaw Estate, Galashiels, Scottish Borders, TD1 2TH
- 9 March, 1330hrs – Phoines Estate, Newtonmore, PH20 1BE
Grouse Health & Disease – £72 per person inc. VAT
This training opportunity addresses the increasing need for grouse moors to assemble documented evidence to demonstrate best practice. The half-day course will focus on the latest management techniques for the control of strongyle worm burdens and tick in red grouse. A must for those requiring medicated grit prescriptions!
Rat Control for Gamekeepers (& Farmers) – £150 + VAT per person (for members), £200 + VAT per person (for non-members)
This full-day course has been put together by those directly involved in the sector for the sector, and having this qualification is 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.
Young Shooters Day – £50 per person inc. VAT
Depending on demand, we are able to present this day at our Game & Wildlife Demonstration Farm at Auchnerran, Logie Coldstone, Aberdeenshire AB34 5PT.
Youngsters (boys and girls) aged 12-15 will have an opportunity to take part in an inspiring and hands-on day of shooting tuition and basic game and shoot management developed by the GWCT. This fun-filled, practical and informative day would be held on a summer date appropriate to school holidays.
Additional Training
Prices quoted for courses are based on a minimum of ten candidates per course. Fewer attendees may result in higher per head costs.
Tailored On-Shoot Advisory Visits and 2023 Fees
- Half day – £620 + VAT
- Full day – £820 + VAT
- Formal reports (starts at) – £620 + VAT
Our professional advisors can provide a practical one-to-one visit to your shoot, farm or estate to advise on any shoot, game and wildlife management issues that are specific to you and your land. For further information please download our brochure or contact 0131 202 7670 or scottishhq@gwct.org.uk.
We will be running a series of Pie & Pint Evenings in February; these are designed to provide a space for gamekeepers and land managers to find out more about the research we are doing in Scotland. If you are interested, please email scottishhq@gwct.org.uk for more information.