Gamekeeper Training Heads North

The Game Conservancy Trust's refresher course for practising lowland gamekeepers is moving to the north of England for the first time in its long history. Normally held at The Game Conservancy Trust's Headquarters in Hampshire, the new venue for this popular two-day course being held on the 14-16 March 2006, is the Harewood Estate, near Leeds.

The Gamekeepers Refresher Course was originally launched by the Trust more than 25 years ago. This practically based course provides a comprehensive review of lowland game management, particularly focussing on current legislation, disease and the Government's new agri-environment schemes. This year's course will also include an option to undertake the National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) Game Meat Hygiene course.

Mike McKendry, the Trust's Northern Regional Advisor, said, "The course is always popular with practising lowland gamekeepers as it provides an opportunity to be kept abreast of the Trust's latest scientific research relating to wildlife conservation, legal predator control, habitat management for game and gamebird rearing and releasing. Chris Davis, The Game Conservancy Trust's vet, will be on hand to discuss gamebird disease and other health issues currently affecting the industry."

Harewood Estate will be known to many as the northern home of the CLA Game Fair. The estate possesses a shoot which includes pheasant, partridge and duck, and boasts its own deer park. Mike McKendry said, "We are very grateful to Lord and Lady Lascelles for allowing us to use the Harewood Estate as a venue for the course. The location between Leeds and Harrogate means that the estate is relatively accessible to most areas in the north of England and due to its association with the CLA Game Fair the majority of gamekeepers already know the way!"

The Gamekeepers Refresher course is being held on 14 - 16 March 2006 at the Harewood Estate, Harrogate, Yorks.