Focus on Grouse

THE Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) respected upland keeper’s course will make a return to the stunning Angus Glens this spring albeit in a re-worked, rejuvenated format.

The ’new-look’ Grouse Keeper’s Course will be held from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April inclusive and is an excellent training opportunity for those wishing to make a successful application for a job in the rural sector, particularly gamekeepering.

Course organizer and GWCT Advisor Hugo Straker said: "Opportunities for the young and the keen to learn the skills needed to become a competent grouse ’keeper by gaining practical experience are few and far between. In today’s competitive climate, any training or experience which gives you the edge over another applicant is vital. It is with this educational and conservation need in mind that the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has developed this course."

This hands-on, three day course which will be held on sporting estates in Glen Esk has been created by the Trust’s Advisory Service who along with the Trust’s research staff and well-respected grouse keepers, will impart their knowledge based on a wealth of experience.

The course aims to focus on up-to-date management techniques, backed by our latest scientific understanding, required to boost populations of red (and black) grouse. It offers a superb programme of talks, demonstrations, discussions and practical participative training on topics that include:

• Heather Burning

• Red and Black Grouse Habitats

• Grazing Management

• Heather Beetle

• Bracken Control

• Tick Control and Strongyle Worm Counting

• Gritting

• Grouse Counting

• Latest developments in hill predator control techniques.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to sit for the game industry’s recognised Best Practice for Fox Snaring Certificate.

Full accommodation is available within the glen, with the quality of food a distinct highlight! The full tuition fee for the three days is £342 plus VAT. The three nights full board will be £150 + VAT.

The course will be geared for both aspiring grouse ’keepers as well as those with some experience.

"It is the Trust’s belief that this stimulating training experience will give a grounding in the skills required of a ’keeper to give him, or her, an edge when applying for a job," explained Hugo.

"Additionally, the course content should be of huge benefit to grouse moor and other wildlife managers."

At the time of writing, it is hoped that a bursary might become available for a full place on the course. For further information or to make a course booking, please contact Lynda Ferguson, tel: 01425 651013 ; email: lferguson@gct.org.uk or follow this link: http://www.gct.org.uk/text02.asp?PageId=99