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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
CONTACT DETAILS
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