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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The NGO Educational Trust wish to thank the following people and organisations for providing photographs used in this presentation.

•David Mason•Brian Mills•Sophia Gallia / Natterjack Publications•Game to Eat (Countryside Alliance)

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GAMEKEEPERS

THEIR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT

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• Gamekeeping is a very old profession (over 1000 Years)

• Originally protected the deer in medieval royal hunting forests

• As game became more important for food and sport it dramatically changed the role of the keeper.

GAMEKEEPERS – A BRIEF HISTORY

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• In the UK Gamekeepers manage 15 million acres; an area larger than Scotland.

• 70% of Gamekeepers look after at least oneSite of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

• UK Government recognises that shooting contributes to conservation of landscapes, habitats, wildlife and rural communities.

GAMEKEEPING FACTS

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• Management of Habitat• Pest/Predator Control• Game Rearing• Shoot Days• Game to Eat• Policing the Countryside

ROLE OF THE MODERN GAMEKEEPER

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THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE

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COUNTRYSIDE HABITATS

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GAME CROPS

Provide shelter and food to game birds and a wide variety of other species.

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BIRDS THAT BENEFIT FROM GAME

CROPS

All these bird species benefit from the planting of game crops…

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BIRDS THAT BENEFIT FROM GAME

CROPS

…particularly in the winter.

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MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT

GAME BIRDSManagement of these game birds has played a large part in shaping the British countryside.

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MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT

WHO MANAGES THIS ENVIRONMENT?•Private Landowners•Farmers•Foresters•Gamekeepers

Much of this at no cost to the UK Tax payer.

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PEST/PREDATOR CONTROL

Predators are meat eaters whose numbers need to be controlled for the benefit of game and other wildlife.

HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME?

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NAME KEEPER CONTROLLED PREDATORS

FOX CARRION CROW MINK

RAT STOAT MAGPIE

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WHY CONTROL PREDATORS?

I EAT

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PREDATOR CONTROL

Predators are controlled using the following appropriate methods:•Trapping•Shooting•Snaring•Selective use of Rodenticide (Rodent Poison)

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PREDATOR CONTROL

TUNNEL TRAPUsed for Rats, Stoats, Weasels, Rabbits & Mink

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PREDATOR CONTROL

SHOOTINGUsed for all predators & Pest species.

FREE-RUNNING SNAREUsed as a holding device for foxes.

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PREDATOR CONTROL

LARSEN TRAPUsed for Crows, Magpies and Jays.

LADDER TRAPUsed for Crows, Rooks & Jackdaws.

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PEST CONTROL

RODENTICIDE

Some poisons are legally used in special bait boxes.

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PEST CONTROL

Pests are animals whose numbers need to be controlled for the benefit of agriculture and forestry.

HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME?

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NAME KEEPER CONTROLLED PESTS

RABBIT WOOD PIGEON GREY SQUIRREL

DEER ROOK

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WHY CONTROL PESTS?

I EAT

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• Some Estates rear game birds for release into the wild.

• During the shooting season some of the birds will be shot.

• Income from shooting helps pay for conservation work on the Estate.

GAME REARING

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VARIOUS ASPECTS OF GAME REARING

GAME REARING

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Shooting is an activity enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

SHOOT DAYS

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GAME TO EAT

GAME THAT IS EATEN-Venison-Rabbit & Hare-Pheasant, Partridge, Pigeon & Wildfowl

HEALTHY EATING-Low fat-Organic

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POLICING THE COUNTRYSIDE

• Rural Crime watch• Wildlife Crime• Protection against poaching• Environmental Crime

(vandalism, dumping etc.)

• Early warning system (pollution etc.)

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THE GAMEKEEPER

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For further information regarding any aspects of this presentation please contact:

Brian HayesNGO Educational TrustPO Box 3360StourbridgeWest MidlandsDY7 5YG: 01384 221308

NGO EDUCATIONAL TRUST

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