0 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)

1 GAMEKEEPERS THEIR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT 1

2 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

3 In the UK Gamekeepers manage 15 million acres; an area larger than Scotland. 70% of Gamekeepers look after at least one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) UK Government recognises that shooting contributes to conservation of landscapes, habitats, wildlife and rural communities. GAMEKEEPING FACTS

4 Management of Habitat Pest/Predator Control Game Rearing Shoot Days Game to Eat Policing the Countryside ROLE OF THE MODERN GAMEKEEPER

5 THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE

6 COUNTRYSIDE HABITATS

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

8 BIRDS THAT BENEFIT FROM GAME CROPS All these bird species benefit from the planting of game crops…

9 BIRDS THAT BENEFIT FROM GAME CROPS …particularly in the winter.

10 MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT GAME BIRDS Management of these game birds has played a large part in shaping the British countryside.

11 MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT WHO MANAGES THIS ENVIRONMENT? Private Landowners Farmers Foresters Gamekeepers Much of this at no cost to the UK Tax payer.

12 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?

13 NAME KEEPER CONTROLLED PREDATORS FOXCARRION CROW MINK RATSTOATMAGPIE

14 WHY CONTROL PREDATORS? I EAT

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

16 PREDATOR CONTROL TUNNEL TRAP Used for Rats, Stoats, Weasels, Rabbits & Mink

17 PREDATOR CONTROL SHOOTING Used for all predators & Pest species. FREE-RUNNING SNARE Used as a holding device for foxes.

18 PREDATOR CONTROL LARSEN TRAP Used for Crows, Magpies and Jays. LADDER TRAP Used for Crows, Rooks & Jackdaws.

19 PEST CONTROL RODENTICIDE Some poisons are legally used in special bait boxes.

20 PEST CONTROL Pests are animals whose numbers need to be controlled for the benefit of agriculture and forestry. HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME?

21 NAME KEEPER CONTROLLED PESTS RABBITWOOD PIGEON GREY SQUIRREL DEERROOK

22 WHY CONTROL PESTS? I EAT

23 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

24 VARIOUS ASPECTS OF GAME REARING GAME REARING

25 Shooting is an activity enjoyed by people from all walks of life. SHOOT DAYS 25

26 GAME TO EAT GAME THAT IS EATEN -Venison -Rabbit & Hare -Pheasant, Partridge, Pigeon & Wildfowl HEALTHY EATING -Low fat -Organic

27 POLICING THE COUNTRYSIDE Rural Crime watch Wildlife Crime Protection against poaching Environmental Crime (vandalism, dumping etc.) Early warning system (pollution etc.)

28 THE GAMEKEEPER

29 For further information regarding any aspects of this presentation please contact: Brian Hayes NGO Educational Trust PO Box 3360 Stourbridge West Midlands DY7 5YG : NGO EDUCATIONAL TRUST CONTACT DETAILS