Gamewise Autumn 2013

Gamewise CONSERVING BRITAIN’S GAME AND WILDLIFE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Autumn/winter 2013

4,360 mile journey to Siberia

MorFish launch

Woodcock secrets revealed

United in the protection of salmon

Where have our birds gone?

Is it too late to save key bird species in Wales?

All this and...

Saving our bees Vital to our economy, but bees need our help

Kindly sponsored by

www.gwct.org.uk

The importance of dead wood Lapwings buck the trend New Christmas cards Countryside day a soaring success raising £50,000 Richard Ali gives his opinion

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Contents

INSIDE THIS ISSUE |

Autumn/winter 2013

Regulars 5

WELCOME by Teresa Dent

7

HAVE YOUR SAY Game Fair feedback; easyfundraising; new website; email newsletter

26 SCOTLAND superb turn out for Fair; golden ambassador Peter Wilson; Scottish news 33 ADVISORY avoiding lead, pheasant fundamentals, dead wood, uplands Q&As, Campaign for Game

27

38 STAFF/EDUCATION Curtis in the spotlight, look out for...

Peter Wilson interview

40 GWCT SHOP brand new Christmas cards for 2013, ideal presents 42 EVENT NEWS around the UK and forthcoming events 46 DIARY dates of regional events from October to March 47 WHAT’S NEW latest products in the marketplace New 50 TAIL END woodpigeon bruschetta by Mike Short

Conservation News 8

BLACK GROUSE record-breaking breeding year

9

FARMLAND join our farmland bird count

10 WELSH MOORLANDS plans for Welsh moorlands to flourish 11 VOLUNTEERING three cheers for volunteers

40 Christmas cards

Conservation Features 12 ALLERTON an expert in his field - Professor Chris Stoate

33

15 COMMUNICATION how others see us

Advisory

16 CONSERVATION united in the protection of salmon 18 OPINION where have our birds gone?

20 CONSERVATION woodcock make the 4,360 mile journey to Siberia

18

23 PARTNERSHIP the mosiac of the New Forest

Birds in Wales

24 CONSERVATION 27 years of chasing lapwing chicks 30 CONSERVATION saving our bees FRONT COVER Woodcock (see p20). © Steve Round

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF Tel: 01425 652381 Fax: 01425 655848 Email: info@gwct.org.uk Reg: Charity No: 1112023 Reg: Company No. 05579632 Vat No. 665 2959 92 PatronHRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, OM, GBE PresidentThe Marquess of Salisbury PC, DL ChairmanIan Coghill Chief ExecutiveTeresa Dent FRAgS

Directorof Advisory & Education Ian Lindsay Directorof Communications & Public Affairs Tom Oliver Directorof FundraisingEdward Hay Directorof Marketing & Membership Andrew Gilruth Directorof PolicyAlastair Leake PhD, FRAgS Directorof ResearchProfessor Nick Sotherton PhD DeputyDirector of Research Nicholas Aebischer Lic ès Sc Math, PhD Director(Scotland)Adam Smith DPhil

Editing,Design and LayoutLouise Shervington Advertising,ProductionMark Brown, Fellows Media Ltd, The Gallery, Manor Farm, Southam, Cheltenham, Glos GL52 3PB. Tel: 01242 259249 Email: mark@fellowsmedia.com

ISSN 1757-7357 Printed on chlorine-free paper from sustainable forests

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 3

How one of your life’s greatest achievements... ...might be after your death

What would you like to be remembered for?

How about helping to safeguard Britain’s rich biodiversity, unique woodland, productive farmland and traditional uses of the countryside? That’s a legacy to be proud of.

Become an Honorary Fellow today

W

e are inviting Gamewise readers to join us and share in the Trust’s achievements in protecting the Great British countryside by becoming Honorary Fellows.

There’s no membership fee to become an Honorary Fellow. Instead, Honorary Fellows are simply people who appreciate the proven connection between country sports and nature conservation and who have named (or intend to name) the Trust in their Will.

Protect the countryside from an uncertain future We can’t be sure of the fresh challenges the countryside will face in 30 years’ time.

What we do know is that with the help of your gift, we can continue to fund pioneering research to provide the evidence needed to protect it. Many of our

for decades to come.

www.gwct.org.uk/legacy

Leave a gift that could last for generations We introduced beetle banks over 25 years ago and today they support endangered wildlife, decrease soil erosion and encourage biodiversity nationwide.

Sustained research at our Allerton Project has seen songbird numbers rise 42% higher than in 1992.

Our efforts to promote a fact-driven

sports and game management continue to

It is only with the help of our members that any of this is possible.

Be part of something very special Gifts in Wills are a very important source of income to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and help to support our most groundbreaking work. Sadly, there is still a lot to be done.

We strive for simpler legislation, a wider understanding of the importance of countryside management and better protection for the traditional rural way of life which we have been fortunate enough to share.

We want our grandchildren and future generations to enjoy this too.

Enjoy life as a Fellow By becoming an Honorary Fellow, not only will you help us achieve our goals for years to come, you will also receive exclusive invitations to special annual events where you can hear presentations from our

black grouse and woodcock.

You will also be able to meet like-minded individuals and ask us any questions you may have about our work.

Including a gift to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in your Will is simple to arrange. All you need to do is contact your solicitor to arrange a Codicil to update your existing Will.

If you would like any further information on becoming a Fellow, please contact Corinne Duggins on 01425 651012 or email legacies@gwct.org.uk.

© David Mason

WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE |

Welcome

W

elcome to this packed issue of Gamewise. In it we launch our MorFish project; we are working with scientists in France (page 16) and will use a staggering 50,000 PIT tags over three years to identify the causes of salmon decline as well as developing techniques to prevent further losses. We also bring you up-to-date with our woodcock tracking work on page 20 where we have plotted the journeys of 24 woodcock – some making record-breaking flights of more than 4,000 miles to breed in Siberia. Ian Lindsay gives his opinion on the decline of upland birds in Wales following the recent publication of the State of Nature report. He highlights the desperate need for a partnership between conservation agencies and sporting interests to help conserve our upland species (see page 18). In a similar vein, our upland research team share its 27 years of studying lapwing (see page 24). In Teesdale they are bucking the trend and are flourishing with an average of 53% of clutches hatching chicks, while numbers continue to decline nationally. We also hear from the new Chief Executive of BASC, Richard Ali. Our Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace celebrated its 25th anniversary in July and each year support for this wonderful event increases substantially. We were delighted that our silver anniversary coincided with the ‘Year of Natural Scotland’, an opportunity for us to support Scottish Natural Heritage’s new policy of wildlife management, a practical and flexible alternative to simple species protection (see page 26).

At the CLA Game Fair we launched our Campaign for Game to the wider game management community. As our members will know, the Campaign celebrates all that is good about released game shooting. But equally, it challenges keepers and game

managers to make sure that the standard of management for wildlife, as well as game, is as good as it can be on the area of land that they manage for shooting. We have done a great deal of research to identify the advantages to wildlife of released game shooting and frequently highlight the benefits of this to the wider countryside. However, there is a clear challenge to individual shoots to be able to demonstrate the biodiversity

“ ” In Teesdale lapwing are bucking the trend and are flourishing... gain which arises from their activities. We can help – see page 36 for our simple Shoot Biodiversity Assessment service.

We hope you will enjoy this issue and appreciate the range of articles on offer. We have inserted a short questionnaire which we would be grateful if you could complete. This provides us with invaluable information on the issues that matter to you and how you feel we are performing. Finally don’t forget to shop for your Christmas cards and take advantage of our wildflower readership offer – we can all help our bees in our gardens as well as our farms.

Teresa Dent CHIEF EXECUTIVE GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 5

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Have your say

Let us know your views Email: editor@gwct.org.uk Letters to: Editor, GWCT, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1EF Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) @Gameandwildlife

A

s part of our on-going commitment to supporting all those that care about the countryside, we are keen to find out more about the issues that matter to you. Whether you have feedback on how you feel the Trust is performing, thoughts on the issues that matter to you or an interesting conservation story, we would love to hear from you and share your views with other members. Contact us on Facebook or Twitter and send in your letters to be in with a chance of winning a Musto GWCT shooting jacket.

CLA Game Fair feedback however, I believe that you need to attract younger people to the organisation.

Peter Hutton

Mark Whiteside inspiring the younger generation.

The quality of your stand at the CLA Game Fair was up to its usual high standard, but I felt it was in the wrong place.

I was quite impressed with the conversation that I had with Mark Whiteside from Exeter University.

He was explaining about educating pheasant chicks so they can fend for themselves in the wild – I liked his enthusiasm and engagement, and he is an asset to your organisation. I am a great supporter of the GWCT’s work,

I have supported the Trust for a number of years now. The stand was a good representation of the work you do and more importantly the staff on the stand were very pleasant and welcoming, making us feel valued as members. I am unable to attend most other events, so am grateful for the friendly welcome.

Keep up the good work.

John Sirett

Scottish Game Fair feedback Via Twitter

“Very good day @ScotGameFair today! Recommend to anyone looking for a fun family day out.”

Katharine Lizzie “We had a great day today. My husband would like to say how much he enjoyed his volunteer stint with the Disability scooters. Hope to see you again next year.” “@ScotGameFair is a roaster! A great GAME fair.” Richard Barnes “For a total townie, I had a lovely day @ScotGameFair.” Susan McLaren “@ScotGameFair was terrific today, had a brilliant time!” Stewart McIntosh “Huge thanks to the organisers, staff and volunteers @ScotGameFair. Another fantastic show!” @perthoatcakes

Raise money while you shop online We’re excited to announce that we’ve joined easyfundraising.org.uk, a service that generates donations from companies every time you spend money with them online, at no extra cost to you. More than 2,700 major UK retailers, insurers, travel companies, utility companies and banks support the scheme. You simply need to register for free with easyfundraising.org.uk and select us as a charity you’d like to support. www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/gwct

Win a Musto GWCT Shooting Jacket Thanks to Musto, we have what we believe to be the ultimate lightweight game shooting jacket available as a prize for the star letter. Not only is it incredibly light, it also incorporates thermal insulation and a GORE-TEX ® drop liner.

Please send your letters to: The Editor, Gamewise, GWCT, Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1EF Email: editor@gwct.org.uk * Please state your size if you would like to win a Musto coat. We reserve the right to edit letters for inclusion. Best letter is in editor’s opinion. Letters are the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily the views of the Trust.

Our 25th Anniversary Game Fair was a huge success. See page 26 for a full write up.

It was great, lovely layout, well priced bar, nice staff and strong educational displays.

Lucy Carson-Taylor

Snippets

Have your say…

New website launch

Free email newsletter

We are launching a brand new GWCT website in late 2013, providing a more accessible home for our important research and allowing members to stay up-todate with the latest events and conservation news. New sections are a dedicated to particular interests p and will allow users an to navigate the site quicker than ever. qu

Make sure you don’t Special offers miss out on any of Sign up to our the latest news free members newsletter for the latest by signing up to research, events and our free email unique offers. newsletter. You’ll be the first to discover exciting new research findings, learn about exclusive upcoming events and receive unique offers and promotions. Visit www.gwct. org.uk/newsletter to subscribe.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 7

© Lindsay Waddell

News Black grouse had an exceptional breeding year.

Uplands

Record-breaking black grouse most hens managed to raise chicks – some with exceptionally large broods. This is all in stark contrast to last year when breeding productivity was appalling and one sample of 35 hens raised just seven chicks between them. We expect to see this reflected in an increase in males attending leks next spring.

© Dave Kjaer

B

lack grouse achieved record-breaking breeding productivity this summer with birds producing on average 4.4 chicks per hen in England. This is four times higher than the average 1.2 chicks per hen in previous years. The dry conditions have produced an abundance of insects and

Farming

Hares today and tomorrow

A

can go up by leaps and bounds with more lmost everyone loves to see 50% increase than a 10-fold increase recorded on our a hare, and the chases and From a low point 25 years ago, NGC Allerton Project farm at Loddington boxing of March madness data indicates in the 1990s. This increase is likely to are a joy to watch. Unfortunately that brown hares have increased cause farmers to raise their eyebrows brown hares are not as common by 50%. as hares can cause considerable damage as they once used to be and to some crops and game cover too. agricultural intensification is part of the Therefore some measure of control is likely to cause. Hares need to graze young grass and be needed, and historically the main way was herbs, and as crop diversity has declined, hares through February hare shoots. have a harder time finding suitable grazing It is legal to shoot hares all year round on throughout the year. However, our National enclosed land in England and Wales; hence Gamebag Census (NGC) clearly indicates that the decline has halted. From a low point about 25 years ago, there has been a steady increase Get involved with the NGC of about 50%. This is believed to have been More contributors are needed supported by first set-aside, to increase the coverage of the and now Stewardship schemes NGC and make it an even more that add habitat diversity into powerful monitoring tool. The Trust uniform cropping. maintains strict data confidentiality Given suitable habitat and and never divulges individually good fox control, hare numbers identifiable records. Please contact

© Dave Kjaer

A brown hare Code of Practice is available to download.

8 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

Gillian Gooderham to register your shoot, no matter how small or large, especially if you have any historic gamebag records. Email ggooderham@gwct.org.uk or call Gillian on 01425 651019.

calls for a closed season. In fact, very few hares are shot outside the period of the normal game shooting season and the February hare shoots anyway. However, if there is a problem of damage outside this period, there is freedom to take action. If a closed season was introduced, hares might be controlled harder during the open season just in case, which could easily result in fewer hares.

With this in mind, we helped draw up a code of practice for managing hares.

This recognises and balances the needs of hare conservation and crop protection, while acknowledging the importance of the hare as a traditional quarry species. It also encourages thoughtful and humane treatment, emphasising that hares should not be routinely shot after the end of February. The code can be downloaded at www.gwct.org. uk/harecode and our guide to Conserving the Brown Hare www.gwct.org.uk/harecon

Find out more about brown hares We are holding workshops on the brown hare covering the history, ecology, round the year habitat requirements and how best to practically integrate these areas with modern day farming practices.

Tuesday 8 October – Allerton Project, Loddington, Leicestershire.

Tuesday 15 October - Clinton Devon Estate, Budleigh Salterton. Please contact Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013 to book.

© Owen Williams

NEWS |

Autumn counts remember to

return your grey partridge counts to the Partridge Count Scheme.

Conservation

Join our farmland bird count

W

e want to shout about the great work that farmers are doing to help wildlife. To do this, we will be starting our annual Big Farmland Bird Count in February 2014. This high profile event aims to give farmers and landowners a simple method of recording the number and type of farmland birds present on their land and will help to demonstrate how well their birds are doing. We have already piloted the scheme this year with a sample of farmers and 50% of

them returned counts. The count will take place in February and full details and forms are available at www.gwct.org.uk/bfbc

Helping hen harriers

A

for harriers, while still being economically viable, is crucial. This means that harriers could breed more successfully on grouse moors where their natural predators such as carrion crows, hooded crows and red foxes, which predate clutches, chicks or even adults, are legally killed by gamekeepers on grouse moors to optimise grouse stocks.”

Measures such as introducing a ‘harrier quota’ principle, which would limit the number of young harriers in an area through non-lethal means and diversionary feeding of nesting harriers may be a way forward. It is gratifying that stakeholders on both sides of the debate have recently expressed their desires to work collectively towards finding answers.

Diversionary feeding of nesting hen harriers could reduce the effect of harriers on grouse populations.

© Laurie Campbell

Support us with Gift Aid PAYING YOUR SUBSCRIPTION under Gift Aid is an easy way to support us. For every £1 you donate we can reclaim 25p from the Inland Revenue at no cost to you. Furthermore if you are a higher rate tax payer you can claim relief on your donations (and subscriptions) between the basic rate of tax at 20% and the higher rate of 40%. You need to be a UK tax payer to qualify and pay sufficient tax (including capital gains tax) to cover the total gifts made in any one year. Don’t forget that if you are no longer a tax payer, but have previously signed a Gift Aid form, please contact us to ensure that we no longer claim. For more information please contact Angela Hodge on 01425 651024.

Uniting for wildlife

Uplands

new study carried out between 1992 and 2007 at Langholm, shows how grouse moor management can help hen harrier productivity by protecting harriers from predators and boosting their natural moorland food supply.

The study carried out between 1992 and 2007 at Langholm, showed that hen harrier numbers increased from two breeding females in 1992 to 20 birds in 1997. In 1999 grouse management and its associated predator control was stopped following the heavy losses of red grouse because of harrier predation.

David Baines, our upland director of research and lead author of the study said: “Devising techniques that can be put in place to ensure that grouse moors are managed

In brief

FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION of the alarming State of Nature report by a coalition of wildlife organisations which highlighted dramatic species decline, it is now more important than ever that we all work together for wildlife recovery. Teresa Dent, our chief executive explains: “The continued decline of wildlife is frustrating and depressing for everyone involved. We simply have to harness the huge potential of farmers, game managers and foresters, along with the concerned public. If only we can unite all the good will for wildlife, we can take on this task and deliver.”

Research in a nutshell VOLUNTEERS have helped plant 1,600 trees to help improve winter feeding habitats for black grouse.

THERE was a 45% decline of grey partridge pairs counted this spring in our Partridge Count Scheme due to very low productivity in 2012.

LAPWINGS are flourishing in Teesdale with an average of 53% of clutches hatching chicks (see page 24).

SEWAGE treatment works and domestic sources are important contributors of phosphorus to water.

THE MorFish Project will align data collection of salmon across three rivers in the south of England and Brittany (see page 16).

PLANTING pollen and nectar strips can help the decline of bees who fly more than a mile from the nest to find food (see page 30).

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 9

Don’t forget to order your

stunning shoot sweepstake packs. Please contact Angela Hodge on 01425 651024.

Wales

Welsh moorlands to flourish

In brief

J

Sponsor the valiant Spartans

oining forces with the CLA Wales we have called on the Welsh Government to embrace a completely new direction to reverse the We have called on the Welsh poor state of Government to reverse the poor the Welsh state of Welsh moorlands. moorlands and look to moors in the north of England as an example where the same wildlife is flourishing.

At a recent meeting with

all the major moorland owners in Wales, it was discussed that if land managers have the flexibility to care for moorlands sensitively, the rewards will be forthcoming. Moorlands in other parts of the UK are sustainably managed, largely by private investment, offering the most cost effective model of upland management to the tax payer. We are calling for a partnership which positively engages with landowners and the broad range of third party experts and the public, to deliver positive outcomes for wildlife once again.

See page 18 for Ian Lindsay’s opinion piece on the state of moorlands in Wales.

Education

Signing up for outdoor education

T

he signing of a Memorandum of Understanding took place at the Scottish Game Fair by Andrew Salvesen, our Scottish chairman and Allan Murray, chairman of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society Scotland. The two organisations have worked together on educational projects for more than 10 years. Katrina Candy, our head of PR (Scotland) said: “Projects like the ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’ school visits to estates and educational workshops at both the Royal Highland Show and at the Scottish Game Fair, are vital tools in reaching out to the next generation in an interesting and enjoyable way.”

(L-R) Alex Towns and Katrina Candy (GWCT), Scottish chairman Andrew Salvesen, Allan Murray (chairman of the RHASS) and Anna Dickinson (RHET).

International

Pollinators bloom in India

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n the last year our Darwin Initiative funded project ‘Enhancing the relationship between people and pollinators in Eastern India’ has bloomed. The main aim of the project is to help farmers pollinate their crops and researchers have been training farmers to recognise and record pollinators as part of a long-term monitoring programme. Farmers were also invited to a day of hands-on training in pollinator recognition, chemical-free pest control, free distribution of pheremone pest traps and mutual sharing of experiences and knowledge.

These festivals are excellent at bringing farmers together to enable and encourage knowledge exchange. For more information please go to www.cpscu.in to follow the project’s progress.

10 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

A DOZEN VALIANT county teams completed the gruelling 5k Spartan Challenge in September.

More than 40 competitors crawled through mud and rivers, jumped through fire and scaled vertical walls to help raise money for the Trust, with all completing their races in record times. To sponsor them and help raise more than £6,000 raised last year, please go to www.gwct.org.uk/spartan

Sponsor our Spartan runners who ran a gruelling race to fundraise for the Trust.

Heather collaboration WE HAVE STARTED a formal collaboration with the Heather Trust, to go alongside our existing collaborations with the Salmon & Trout Association and FWAG. Working with Simon Thorp, the director of the Heather Trust who works across the UK focusing on upland policy issues, we plan to share the workload of attending policy meetings in England and Scotland by ‘sharing a chair’ on the various groups such as the Moorland Forum (Scotland), the Upland Stakeholder Group (England) and many more.

Gardiner reviews legislation THE GAME & Wildlife Conservation All Party Parliamentary Group met in July at Westminster. We invited Opposition front bench natural environment spokesman Barry Gardiner, for his inaugural speech in post, with talks from Andrew Clark, head of policy services at the NFU and our director of communications, Tom Oliver. Barry Gardiner set out his initial thoughts on the forthcoming review of wildlife legislation by Labour. We’re keeping closely in touch as the review develops.

(L-R) Ian Coghill (GWCT chairman); the Rt Hon Nicholas Soames MP, (APPG chairman); Barry Gardiner MP; Tom Oliver (GWCT) and Andrew Clark (NFU).

© Owen Williams

| NEWS

VOLUNTEERING |

© Jon Farmer

Hitting headlines...

Nothing to grouse about - media highlights IN the last quarter our press teams have hit new heights with our press coverage. Our news stories were featured in more than 500 media outlets with a readership circulation of: nationals – 8 million; regionals – 4 million; trade – 236,000; broadcast – l.6 million; and consumer – 3 million.

GWCT hits the headlines THIS continuing upward trend has included more letters in the nationals and general research stories in the national, regional and consumer press.

OUR Glorious 12th story tackled a new study that showed how grouse moor management benefits hen harriers. The timing of this was perfect as it counteracted the latest hen harrier extinction story published by the RSPB. WE also generated considerable interest in the national, regional as well as broadcast media on a recent black grouse story which highlighted that their breeding success has been record-breaking this season.

OUR Campaign for Game, recently launched at the CLA Game Fair to wide acclaim, is generating considerable interest within the sporting press.

GREY partridges hit the headlines when we showed that a moratorium on shooting has helped their recovery this year. Importantly, it helped to raise awareness of submitting autumn counts to our Partridge Count Scheme.

For the latest updates REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) for the latest news and offers.

YOU can also follow us on Twitter @Gameandwildlife where we highlight the latest events and the topics that are important to you.

KEEP up-to-date by regularly visiting www.gwct.org.uk/news.

IF you have a news story that should be covered please contact Morag Walker on 01425 651000 or Katrina Candy in Scotland on 01738 554822.

The Julian Gardner winners 2013

Our 2013 photographic competition, in memory of Sussex farmer Julian Gardner, was a huge success. (Main) Martin Munn’s winning adult entry of a ladybird in a tulip; (Inset L-R) Junior winner Christopher Page’s woodland scene; runner-up - Graham Dixon’s brown hare; Environment Minister, Richard Benyon presenting runner-up Eloise RuxBurton with a print of her picture at the CLA Game Fair. Entries are now open for next year - please go to www.gwct.org.uk/photocompetition for more details.

Following the triumph of the Nottinghamshire countryside day, Chris and Julia Butterfield want to share the key to its success with other county groups.

Three cheers for volunteers

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e rely on volunteer fundraisers like Chris Butterfield, a Nottinghamshire committee member, to enable our valuable research to continue. Here we show how teamwork and careful planning can pay dividends.

Chris and his family and friends raised £50,000 by staging a countryside day. The idea for the event came about because his wife Julia, said that instead of holding a private party for her big birthday, she would rather hold a couple of fundraising events in aid of her favourite charities. Chris realised that a third event could make use of the marquee and other facilities already installed.

So the countryside day was named the GWCT Nottinghamshire Country Fair, the date was set and ‘save the date’ cards were sent out late last year. Invitations were sent out two months before the day, to friends, local members and nearby villages.

Chris decided to offer three tiers of sponsorship to local companies, thereby fully covering all the venue, ticketing, programme, competition and catering costs. Fifty retailers came and exhibited with each one donating a percentage of their takings, and 20 teams of four entered the quadrathon (shooting, archery, fly-casting and 4x4 driving). The main arena was a hive of activity with falconry, sheepdog, dressage,

dog agility, hounds and beagle displays, providing entertainment for everyone.

Afterwards Chris said: “The Fair was organised as a fun day out in the countryside for friends and their families, but it did have a serious message too. It was a great opportunity to show how the countryside is a working environment, can provide essential undisturbed habitat for wildlife and offers all sorts of recreational activities.”

Chris received further support from his committee members, as well as Trust staff who helped with issues such as compliance, insurance and Gift Aid. He said: “The three events were enjoyed by over 1,700 people and raised £100,000 – seven times the lead sponsor’s commitment. This shows how effective venue cost sharing can be. The country fair helped raise awareness of the Trust’s work and in Ian Coghill’s words before the evening barbecue and auction, it enabled national GWCT staff to meet local members during a fun, constructive day out.”

We would like to thank Chris and Julia Butterfield and their hardworking team for organising a fantastic day which helped spread the message of our work, as well as raising awareness of the countryside as a whole.

See page 42 for photos of the day and all our other fundraising events.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 11

Allerton An expert in his field - Professor Chris Stoate

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e are delighted to announce that Chris Stoate, who is our head of research at the Allerton Project, has been made an Honorary Professor by the University of Nottingham.

This is a huge accolade and one that is richly deserved as Chris has been at the forefront of some of our most innovative and pioneering farmland conservation research since the Allerton Project started in 1992.

His research on farmland bird ecology, together with our ecologist John Szczur, contributed to the development of what are now considered common features of farmland conservation; namely wild bird seed mixtures, and other Stewardship habitat options. His research has also been influential in increasing our understanding of songbird predation.

In 1999, Chris was a major contributor to an EU funded review of agri-environmental issues across Europe. This stimulated an increasing breadth of research covering a diverse range of topics from pollinators,

invertebrate pest predators and greenhouse gas balance, to aquatic wildlife, community engagement and catchment management.

On the announcement of this appointment our head of project, Alastair Leake, said: “Chris is an outstanding individual whose research contribution on the need to balance intensive agriculture, environmental objectives and participatory research is unsurpassed. He is a pioneer and excellent communicator, and an important legacy of his work is that he is now inspiring future generations of scientists to achieve greater things in the world of conservation.”

Chris Stoate has been recognised for his expertise in the farmed environment and his ability to communicate our research to farmers on the ground.

Greener fuel for farm vehicles

Purchasing motor fuel in rural areas has become increasingly difficult and expensive especially for 4x4s. Several years ago the Government deregulated the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) market, allowing consumers to own their own gas central heating tanks and to buy at the keenest prices. We took advantage of this and purchased a second hand tank, adapted it to dispense LPG motor fuel and converted five vehicles. The fuel is incredibly clean, a by-product of diesel production and is reported to reduce Filling our own tank with LPG gas. engine wear. Next time you fill your car up try and remember the last time you paid 46p a litre.

12 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

Our perennial strips and wild bird seed mixtures are now complementing both the farm and the shoot.

O

46p/litre LPG costs only 46p a litre and consumers can fill their own tanks up at home.

Habitat development flourishing

Farm opens its doors Around 300 people visited the Allerton Project Farm in June as part of the annual Open Farm Sunday. The day gives us the opportunity to show families without ties to the countryside, how we grow their food and nurture the wildlife. We led eight farm walks during the day, with the Guinness Book of Records Biggest Bird Feeder in the world still a popular attraction for our younger visitors.

Pebbles the pig and our bird feeder were big draws.

ur habitat development work continues this year in partnership with Kings. Each game cover and wild bird seed mix area now has a perennial strip containing a mix of chicory, reed canary grass, sweet clover and lucerne planted along each side to deliver a combination of nesting, brood-rearing, shelter and driving cover.

These crops have already benefited some of the more exposed plots with improved establishment.

It is important that all our cover crops meet both our Higher Level Stewardship and shooting needs. The combination of coleor, goldeneye and 1000 head kale, fodder radish, brown mustard, linseed and gold of pleasure enabled a preemergence herbicide application and delivered pollen and nectar throughout the summer, as well as good cover and a diverse winter seed source.

Further key game holding areas have been planted with a cereal, linseed, millet and dwarf sorghum mix. This combination has allowed for a robust herbicide strategy to be applied, minimising the threat from weeds.

We hope to improve our existing nectar flower plots this autumn by looking at establishment techniques. Hopefully our wildlife should reap the benefits next spring and the plots will provide a splash of colour for our visitors.

For further details on the cover crop work being undertaken at the Allerton Project, please contact Richard Barnes at Kings on 07834 098784.

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14 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

OPINION - OUR CONSERVATION PARTNERS |

How others see us What do other organisations think of our work? This column offers an opportunity to hear their views and helps offer insight into our relationship with them.

Here, Richard Ali from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) gives his opinion

S

ince I arrived at BASC I have been struck by how shooting and conservation are very much a family.

Although we each have our own rooms where we fulfil our own distinct roles, there are many parts of the house where we meet, share our experiences, enjoy each other’s company and decide what’s most important for the family as a whole.

So which member of the family is the GWCT? Not the unruly teenager, constantly questioning the house rules, with a strange sense of melody and an even stranger sense of fashion. Nor a patriarchal figure, imposing order and uniformity on individual family members through a well-tested combination of approval and reproach. Rather, I prefer to see the Trust as the trusted uncle, able to offer advice and support from a position of benevolent independence.

Indeed, it is the Trust’s scientific credibility that marks it out as a body trusted by all those who care about shooting and conservation both within the UK and beyond. Rigorous and demanding of itself, the Trust’s unfailing pursuit of scientific integrity, together with its ability to communicate that evidence to policymakers and the full range of stakeholders, has delivered real and lasting benefits for our countryside.

Many of the shooting, country sports, trade and wildlife

“

organisations also rely on its science as part of their interactions with regulators, policymakers, myriad member groups and the wider public.

But, I see the GWCT as far more than a slightly anonymous charitable body undertaking and commissioning important research and adding to our understanding of game and wildlife management and conservation. Like any organisation its strength comes from within – from its professional teams and from its dedicated Trustees and volunteers.

It is through the application of their combined knowledge and expertise that the Trust has built its reputation for providing high quality research. And, the fact that it has a defined and therefore tightly focused role, is hugely beneficial to its scientific credibility and independence.

That adds real value to the entire family as it supports our combined efforts to deliver more with less by reducing duplication and improving the way we all work together.

...the Trust’s unfailing pursuit of scientific integrity, together with its ability to communicate, has delivered lasting benefits for our countryside

”

Richard Ali Chief Executive British Association for Shooting and Conservation

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 15

| SALMON - MORFISH FEATURE

PIT tags PIT tags are the equivalent size of a grain of rice.

They enable us to track individual salmon for their whole lifetime.

Each tag costs £3.

The MorFish project will use 50,000 tags over three years.

On the River Frome we tag 10,000 fish every year costing £30,000.

To help support this project and our on-going fisheries research please go to

© Laurie Campbell

www.gwct.org.uk/ morfish

United in the protection of salmon As salmon continue to decline, Stephen Gregory explains about the new collaborative MorFish project with French scientists Three different rivers The Frome, Scorff and Oir – chosen because their salmon populations have been monitored for more than 20 years, are all rather different: The Frome is a classic chalk stream river, fed largely from aquifers. The Scorff and Oir have a harder, less permeable granite bedrock and are largely rain-fed.

The Scorff discharges into the ocean directly; the Frome discharges into Poole Harbour, the world’s second largest natural harbour; and the Oir is a tributary of the larger Selune river.

The Oir has a minor fl ow when compared with the Frome and Scorff and a catchment that is the most affected by agriculture.

F

or the next three years our fisheries staff will be crossing the English Channel or ‘la Manche’, to work on the MorFish project. This new project is a collaboration between the Trust and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) at Rennes (Brittany, France), to pool our expertise on monitoring migratory fish, notably Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon populations have declined considerably across much of their North American and European range since the 1990s, with some populations decreasing by over 70% compared with their pre-1990 abundance. Recognising the potential for this cross-Channel collaboration to identify

the causes and ultimately to help halt salmon declines, the European Union funded MorFish under the EU Interreg programme.

Our main aim is to harmonise the methods used to collect long-term monitoring data on three salmon rivers in the Interreg region: the Frome (Dorset, England), the Scorff (Brittany, France) and the Oir (Lower Normandy, France). Salmon populations in each of these rivers have been monitored for at least 20 years, albeit using different monitoring systems. The Scorff and Oir salmon are captured in fish traps and by electro-fishing. The Frome salmon are counted using automatic-resistivity fish

River Frome

River Scorff River Oir

16 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

SALMON - MORFISH FEATURE |

Lamprey facts

salmon population dynamics, and ultimately counters, video recordings and, since 2002, to test whether environmental factors, such a system of Passive Integrated Transponder as changing river temperature or sediment (PIT) tag readers. These have enabled us loads, can help to describe the observed to record changes in behaviour and survival population changes. of individual fish on the River Frome. This Salmon are only one of several new project will enable us to harmonise ecologically and economically our future data collection protocols important migratory fish in with our French colleagues, Thin-lipped UK and French waters; by moving towards high others include the efficiency PIT tag systems grey mullet brook lamprey, the on all three rivers.

Thin-lipped grey mullet can river lamprey and Synchronising grow up to 60cm long. the sea lamprey, future data collection They spawn from October-December in the sea, with young often seen residing in and the thin-lipped is a significant step the lagoons of the Mediterranean. grey mullet. We towards better Growth is slow with estimations of; also hope to gain a understanding the 12cm – two years, 33cm – six years. better understanding causes and informing Their distribution extends up to Ireland of the biology and the management and into the North Sea, but they are movement patterns, of declining salmon most commonly encountered particularly migration, populations. However, on southern shores. of these species, which both organisations already will enable more effective have a wealth of high quality management of the rivers and their salmon monitoring data for these populations for their long-term survival. rivers, ranging from 20 to more than 40 Work is already underway, with Bastien years. So we hope to exploit these underSacre recruited at the start of the year. used data sets to learn about the causes of Bastien specialises in PIT tag technology, and past salmon population dynamics. Together is now working to devise large-scale PIT tag with INRA, we are working with other readers that will detect the tagged smolts on national authorities to develop a flexible the Rivers Scorff and Oir when they migrate statistical framework to reconstruct past

Cross channel launch

Fossil discoveries suggest that lamprey lived up to 450 million years ago.

There are three species of lamprey; the brook, river and sea lamprey.

Lampreys have no lower jaw but have a round, sucker-like disc that, in adults, has a set of strong rasping teeth.

The sea lamprey can grow to an enormous 100cm long and weigh in at 2.5kg.

Lamprey face the problem of physical barriers along waterways, such as waterfalls, dams or weirs.

Little is known about the sea lamprey, as it not only uses estuaries but also frequents much deeper waters where it feeds on fi sh.

to sea and again when they return as adults to spawn.

This exciting new project will shed important light on the changes and movements in the three salmon populations, both here and in France, as well as giving us the opportunity to develop new methods to efficiently sample lamprey populations and study the movement of mullet.

Stephen Gregory is the

MorFish statistician. He is a keen conservationist who uses population dynamics modelling to inform management of endangered populations and species, which have included Galapagos rodents and Malaysian orangutan.

The official MorFish launch attended by staff, members and key stakeholders was held in May at the Sandbanks Hotel in Poole, Dorset.

The second launch of the project took place in July at the annual Pont Scorff Salmon Festival in Brittany.

More information The team from INRA at the English MorFish launch.

GWCT and INRA scientists at the second launch of the MorFish Project in Brittany.

MorFish - www.morfish.org.uk GWCT - www.gwct.org.uk INRA - www.institut.inra.fr/en

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 17

| OPINION - STATE OF NATURE IN WALES

Where have our birds gone?

The State of Nature report highlighted that many of our key bird species are declining, but in Wales levels have reached critically low levels. Ian Lindsay asks if it is too late?

O

© David Mason, Laurie Campbell

ver the past 10 years populations of many of our key bird species have continued to decline, as highlighted by the recent State of Nature report. Behind this, at least in part, has been a failure of our conservation agencies to harness the broadest support from those who own or make a living from the land or to consider the widest range of management options to address these declines.

Thirty years of reliance on protectionist policies, site designations and ‘control’ of other land users has failed to help much of our wildlife. During this time habitat management, almost in isolation, has remained the mantra of those seeking species recovery.

Other, more ‘interventionist’ options such as predator control, or even supplementary feeding, which have been scientifically proven by our research to redress the balance in certain circumstances, have been deemed unpalatable by conservation organisations sensitive to media scrutiny.

Nowhere in the UK is this better illustrated than in the uplands of Wales, which once supported the most productive grouse moors in the UK as well as abundant populations of other birds. Unfortunately, since the 1990s, owing to disease, over-grazing and from

the moor owners’ perspective, a lack of support from conservation agencies, grouse management has been all but abandoned and, with it, upland bird populations have crashed alarmingly.

This has been given further focus by our recent study, funded by the Moorland Association, which analysed the trends of upland birds in the Berwyn Special Protection Area (SPA) in North Wales. The ‘Berwyn’ supports the most extensive tract of blanket bog and upland heath in Wales and in 1998 was designated for its populations of hen harrier, merlin, red kite and peregrine. In addition, it also supported key populations of upland breeding waders. The study focused on changes in red grouse numbers and other upland birds between 1983 and 2002. Like many other parts of Wales, grouse bags peaked in the early 1900s but through a process of gradual decline, driven grouse shooting and upland keepering had virtually ceased by 1990.

The study showed that between 1983 and 2002 red grouse declined by 54%, and black grouse by 78%. Today over 75% of the entire Welsh black grouse population exists on the one remaining keepered moor in the Berwyn.

Over the same period, in the Berwyn SPA, lapwing became extinct, golden plover declined from 10 birds to one and Berwyn Study Facts (1983-2002) curlew declined by 79%.

Red grouse declined by 54% Looking for positives, carrion Black grouse declined by 78% and now over crows increased six-fold and ravens 75% of the entire Welsh black grouse doubled. Among the raptor species, population exists on one keepered moor whereas buzzards doubled in Lapwing became extinct abundance and peregrines increased Golden plover declined from 10 birds to one seven-fold, ground-nesters such Curlew declined by 79% Carrion crows increased six-fold and ravens doubled as hen harriers halved and merlin Buzzards doubled in abundance and peregrines showed no change. increased seven-fold Objectively, over the first decade Hen harrier numbers halved and merlin showed of this important conservation no change designation, corresponding with the abandonment of grouse management, Red grouse and golden plover the Berwyn SPA has been a numbers have disappointing failure. There seems declined and little doubt that until predator control, lapwing are now extinct. a key part of game management, is reintroduced to this area, the productivity of ground-nesting species will only continue to decline.

Since the launch of the Berwyn 18 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

SPA there has been a widely held perception among owners and keepers of a negative and obstructive attitude towards traditional moorland management. But it was this very management – heather burning and predator control which had produced such an important landscape worthy of designation.

Given such a negative view is it surprising that individuals wishing to invest in restoring

“

...there is a desperate need for a partnership between conservation agencies and sporting interests

”

grouse moors have shunned Wales, taking with them the private investment that the Welsh uplands so badly lack?

And still the birds continue to decline.

Even the hen harrier; that most iconic of species, whose decline elsewhere is popularly placed by its opponents at the hands of grouse managers, has failed to benefit from the loss of upland management for grouse.

More than ever, there is a desperate need for a partnership between conservation agencies and sporting interests. Conservation management, on its own, has failed. If we are to be successful in reversing these declines, agencies should embrace grouse management and the private investment it brings as a positive contribution to biodiversity. They need to show flexibility towards those wishing to implement it. But this is only part of the story. It rests with the moor owners to provide the other ingredients: gamekeepers, disease management and habitat management programmes which are at the heart of successful grouse management elsewhere. (See page 24.)

Ian Lindsay is director of

advisory and education. Working with CLA Wales and Welsh moor owners, he is keen to see the return of red grouse and upland birds to Wales.

Antique Arms, Armour & Modern Sporting Guns Knightsbridge, London Entries Invited Arms & Armour Wednesday 27 November Closing date: Friday 4 October +44 (0) 20 7393 3807 david.williams@bonhams.com Sporting Guns Wednesday 4 December Closing date: Friday 18 October +44 (0) 20 7393 3815 patrick.hawes@bonhams.com A fine cased pair of 40-bore percussion duelling or target pistols by Joseph Manton, Hanover Square, London, No. 407 for 1834 Sold for £9,100 A fine pair of 12-bore (2¾in) ‘Highest Quality’ sidelock ejector guns by Joseph Lang & Son, no. 15938/9 Sold for £26,000

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GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 19

| WOODCOCK - SATELLITE TRACKING

Be part of our research Sponsor your very own woodcock for just £36, and help cover the cost of downloading data.

Woodcock tagged in Cornwall and Wales have flown astonishing distances with Monkey flying to the same breeding site in Siberia, two years in a row.

4,360 mile journey to Siberia How fast do woodcock fly, where do they go to breed and are they site-faithful?

Andrew Hoodless reveals the fascinating secrets from our satellite-tracking project

W

e now have some fascinating insights into woodcock behaviour and migration after fitting a further 13 birds with satellite tags early this spring. Tagged at six sites across Britain and Ireland the birds have made it to their breeding sites and have settled in Sweden (1), Finland (1), Latvia (2), north-west Russia (7) and central Russia (2). Monkey, from the first

“

...Monkey has now flown at least 23,750 miles during his life

”

batch of birds, who astonished everyone by flying to central Siberia to breed last summer, is still alive and back at the same breeding site this year. We estimate that he has now flown at least 38,000 kilometres (km) (23,750 miles) during his life. This year he has been 20 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

joined in Siberia by Woody II and Crugith, who have flown 6,980km (4,360 miles) and 7,100km (4,440 miles) respectively. Clearly, this is an important breeding area for some of the woodcock that winter in Britain, a fact that we would never have discovered without satellite tracking.

With information from 24 woodcock, we are now getting close to the sample size required to appreciate individual differences in the behaviour of birds tagged at the same and different winter sites. We now know that woodcock migration consists of a series of long, fast flights of 600-1,100km (375-690 miles), broken up by stops en route typically lasting 7-15 days. Flight speed averages about 30km/h (19mph), but can reach 93km/h (58mph). Monkey and Rebecca have demonstrated that woodcock can be extremely faithful to the same breeding and winter sites each year.

Tracking woodcock So that we don’t impair the birds’ flight, we have utilised small satellite tags that are dependent on solar charging to replenish their batteries. Consequently, low light levels

caused some gaps in data transmission in winter, but we have been able to capture locations accurate to between 150 metres and one kilometre.

In tracking these enigmatic waders, we are able to gain a better understanding of the 750,000-1,200,000 migrants which join the considerably smaller resident population in Britain in winter.

Reader offer Receive a signed, limited edition of ‘Woodcock & Pin-feather Painting’ for just £93. A celebration of Colin Woolf’s studies of woodcock painted with pin-feathers, a percentage of all sales goes towards funding ‘Lanyon’ who was tagged in Cornwall. See page 41.

Andrew Hoodless is our

head of wetland research and a world authority on woodcock. He has spent more than 20 years studying them and has ringed over 800.

WOODCOCK - SATELLITE TRACKING |

Top fact Satellite tags weigh just 9.5g and give very accurate locations.

Woodcock tagged in Ireland, Norfolk and Scotland. Choose a bird to sponsor for the perfect Christmas gift.

Woodcock in numbers

24 tagged woodcock £2,400 for each satellite tag £600 per tag to download one year’s data

375-690 miles flown per flight with stops lasting 7-15 days

58mph fastest flight speed recorded 23,750 miles Monkey has flown during his life

More information View the latest positions of our woodcock at www.woodcockwatch.com

Sponsor a woodcock - the perfect Christmas present A unique, educational and enjoyable gift that lasts all year round Woodcock in Russia and Scandinavia are preparing for their fl ight to the UK and will start arriving in October.

For just £3 a month, you can share your appreciation of this remarkable bird with someone you love this Christmas.

Sponsors can follow their own bird’s location as it travels up to 6-14,000 kilometres every year, while our scientists build a unique picture of the woodcock’s migratory habits.

Woodcock Case Study Name: Woody 11 Tagged: Norfolk Weight: 328g Bill length: 75mm Distance travelled: 4,360 miles Furthest location: Evenkiysky District, Russia Thanks to our satellite-tracking programme, our scientists have discovered that following his overwinter stay in Britain, ‘Woody 11’ flew to the same breeding grounds in Siberia as Monkey and Crugith. This is probably where he was born – an extraordinary feat for such a small bird.

Track your woodcock online

Your gift will cover the cost of downloading data from a satellite for a bird on one day every month, but you and the recipient will be able to check their progress on the website daily. We will also include a name of your choice in the sponsors list on your woodcock’s profile on the Woodcock Watch website www.woodcockwatch.com

You will not only be supporting groundbreaking research, but also be giving the recipient an appreciation for the British countryside and the chance to enjoy the remarkable achievements of these elusive birds.

This is the first time British scientists have proved that migrating woodcock from the UK are travelling enormous distances to breed. This work would not be possible without your support.

Ordering this special gift is quick and easy To order a gift pack, including aPocket guide to nature, certifi cate of sponsorship, your woodcock’s very own passport, a woodcock fact sheet and stickers, all you need to do is: 1. Select one of the woodcock featured on the maps above.

2. Call us on 01425 652381 to arrange a sponsorship and we will send the gift pack directly to you to give to your loved one this Christmas.

Don’t miss out Order before Monday 28 October to guarantee delivery of the gift pack in November 2013.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 21

Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns Auction: 11th December 2013 Entries Invited

Medicated Grouse Grit Alex Henry. A fine .450 hammer rifle sold at Gleneagles for £10,200

With fine sporting guns achieving Record Prices at auction, there has never been a better time to sell. Demand for guns and rifles by the classic English and Scottish makers continues to exceed supply, small bores, wildfowling guns and English over and under's are especially sought after.

Selling at Sotheby's New Bond Street in the heart of Mayfair In October we are attending the following free valuation days:

9th October

Harrogate, Yorkshire

11th October

London

15th October Edinburgh, Scotland 16th October

Glasgow, Scotland

17th October

Pulborough, Sussex

18th October

Tiverton, Devon

To consign, or to make an appointment for a free valuation of your guns, call us now:

Tel 01798 875300 or 07831 645551 www. gavingardiner.com

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22 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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NEW FOREST - HABITAT MANAGEMENT |

The mosiac of the New Forest (Top) Pearl bordered fritillary.

The power of volunteers enables an in-depth look into habitat management and biodiversity. Barbara Smith explains

V

aluable studies focusing on plants and insects have taken place in the New Forest, thanks to the efforts of a team of locally recruited volunteers. The project, a collaboration between the Trust and the Natural History Museum, looked at the contrasting effect on biodiversity of the two principle vegetation management techniques employed in the New Forest, namely burning and cutting. Forty-four volunteers

were recruited and trained to carry out vegetation surveys, soil pit searching, soil sampling, pitfall trapping, sweep-net sampling and invertebrate identification. As a result some of the volunteers are now highly skilled.

Despite the miserable weather throughout the summer last year, data from 107 sites across the New Forest was collected, obtained from 642 quadrats of vegetation and soil pits, and 1,926 insect sampling events.

The key findings were: Using JNCC indicator targets to estimate heathland condition, burnt sites were generally in better condition when compared with swiped sites, with more heathland species and a ‘desirable’ vegetation structure.

Heathland specialist insects such as the small heather weevil were associated with older burnt sites.

Dartford warbler. © Dave Kjaer

The vegetation in burnt sites (top) was in better condition than swiped sites.

The insects that are food for the Dartford warbler (right) were more numerous on swiped sites and were associated with grass. This underlines the importance of a mosaic of heath and acid grassland patches for Dartford warblers.

The meadow grasshopper was associated with swiped sites.

It would be an excellent legacy for the project if the data could form the basis of a long-term monitoring programme to detect future change, and to expand to look at the effects on reptiles. There have been huge educational benefits, with a New Forest natural history road show delivered to local schools and talks given at a ‘Nature Live’ event at the Natural History Museum and at the British Ecological Society.

The green tiger beetle was found more frequently on burnt sites. Species associated with grassland, such as the meadow grasshopper, and arable systems, tended to be associated with swiped sites. However, many insect species were not affected by management type at all.

Choice of management treatment can be crucial in determining the balance of species and there is potential to improve heathland habitats through targeted management.

Key facts

44 volunteers 107 sites 642 plots of vegetation and soil pits were surveyed

1,926 insect sampling events More information Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk New Forest National Park www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

The project was part-funded by the New Forest National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund in partnership with the Verderers of the New Forest through Environmental Stewardship as part of the Rural Development Programme for England and with the National Trust.

Habitat can be improved through targeted management.

Overall a mix of management treatments is likely to benefit biodiversity within the New Forest, allowing a wider range of species to survive and offering broader opportunities for more widely-dispersing species, such as birds, that may make use of food supplies in more than one habitat.

A variety of habitats will benefit widely-dispersing species, such as the goldcrest.

Barbara Smith is a senior

ecologist in our farmland ecology unit. She is leading a Darwin Initiative partnership to increase understanding of crop pollination in India.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 23

| LAPWING - LONG TERM TRENDS

27 years of chasing lapwing chicks Dave Baines looks at 27 years of lapwing data and although numbers are in severe decline, an isolated pocket in Teesdale is bucking the trend

© David Mason, Laurie Campbell

I

started our lapwing study in spring 1986, several years before Melissa my co-author was born. It was the focus of my PhD study at Durham University under the supervision of Dr John Coulson, looking at how agricultural improvement of hill farms affected breeding waders. My particular focus was on the peewit or lapwing. I, and others since, counted them, found their nests, measured their eggs, ringed the chicks, sampled their invertebrate food and wrote several scientific papers on the subject. In 2013, 27 years on I’m still doing it. So, other than wrinkles, grey hairs and chicks being able to run faster than ever before, what’s changed?

Nationally, lapwing numbers are in severe free-fall, so much so that numbers fell by 32% between 1994 and 2011 alone, culminating in lapwing being red-listed in terms of conservation threat. We have several study farms in the North Pennines, with the main one in Teesdale near our office. Being based in the Dale has enabled us to count our lapwings each spring in 114 fields covering 560 hectares (ha) of rough pastures and luxuriant herb-rich meadows.

This national decline has been mirrored on our study farms in the Eden Valley to the west of the Pennine ridge, where there are now 90% fewer than during my PhD years. However, in Teesdale, it’s different.

Numbers were stable between 1986 and Teesdale is a mecca for waders.

(L-R) Curlew; golden plover; snipe; redshank.

90%

fewer lapwings in our study farms than 27 years ago.

Lapwing numbers are in severe decline, falling by 32% between 1994 and 2011. However, lapwings are flourishing in Teesdale with an average of 53% of clutches hatching chicks. © David Mason

2004, but have since declined by 31% or 3% per annum. Here, densities average 105 birds per 100ha, maybe the highest on the UK mainland. Combined with abundant snipe and redshank in the same field and curlew and golden plover on the moor fringe, this makes Teesdale an absolute mecca for waders.

Why has Teesdale remained so productive? It is a combination of climate (sadly cold and wet), that naturally truncates grass growing seasons for farmers, which together with agri-environment payments or ‘flower money’ as it’s called locally, limits yields and forces farming to be more traditional. Together with active predator control, the Dale supports two major grouse shooting enterprises, and it is a winning formula. Despite the recent slip in lapwing numbers, nesting success has not changed during the whole period of our study and on average 53% of clutches hatch chicks. This year, chick survival was higher than ever with a record number of fledglings produced.

The fact that breeding success remains high but numbers are falling, suggests that either survival rates of adults have fallen or fewer fledged chicks are returning to breed, or

both. Previous analyses of UK ringing returns suggested that adult survival has remained constant over time, so are fewer fledglings returning to Teesdale, and if so why? In the early 1990s, Patrick Thompson (now RSPB) and our own Dave Parish, uniquely colourringed approximately 2,000 large chicks and adults. By doing so, they established that 71% returned to their natal Teesdale to breed. The remainder presumably bred elsewhere. This year, we started colour-ringing chicks again to see if that value has dropped. Even if similar numbers of Teesdale-bred chicks do return, then given declines elsewhere, those chicks born elsewhere that in the past topped-up our Teesdale birds, are no longer present. I think that Teesdale may be as good as ever, but declines elsewhere are ‘eroding our island of high density’. Our continued research will determine how best to hang on to them.

Dave Baines is our director of upland research and is highly experienced in grouse and upland waders. He has worked for the Trust for 24 years.

Melissa Dawson is a

placement student from Durham University who worked with the Trust’s Teesdale team in 2012/13.

24 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 25

| GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR

Scotland news Superb turn-out for Fair

T

hree days of sunshine bathed the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at the start of July and ensured a superb turn-out of visitors to Scone Palace parklands.

Almost 35,000 people attended the Fair to celebrate its silver anniversary and soak up the relaxed, friendly atmosphere at what is now one of Scotland’s most successful events and a major celebration of game, wildlife and outdoor pursuits. We were delighted with the massive support shown by visitors, sponsors and trade stand holders who flocked to the tented village on the banks of the River Tay. Our own exhibit embraced the Year of Natural Scotland with a joint exposition with Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland to create an attractive and informative display promoting game and wildlife habitats.

Olympic gold medallist Peter Wilson opened the event on Friday and proved to

26 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

be a very popular guest as he toured the Fair.

He also held a junior clay shooting workshop for four lucky youngsters and participated in a fun gnat shoot for our regional volunteers, before addressing guests at a special anniversary party in the evening.

One of the most poignant sights was the parade of working hill ponies competing for the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy. Turned out in their traditional tack and gleaming from mane to hoof, the ponies were a huge attraction for visitors and will, we hope, be a regular event at the Fair. Winner of the inaugural award was Victor of Alltnacailleach (6 years old), from the Garrogie Estate, Inverness-shire, with ghillie Christina Ellis.

Ponies in the competition came from Balmoral Estate, Blair Castle, Garrogie, Invermark, Kinlochuichart, Tulchan of Glenisla and Reay Forest.

Hugo Straker, the Fair chairman, said he was hugely encouraged by the overwhelming

support for the event which takes months of preparation: “We try very hard to put on a first-class show and this year we have received so many favourable comments that it makes all our hard work worthwhile. We saw many happy faces and are delighted so many people came to enjoy the event.

Especially after last year’s disappointing cancellation due to the weather, we couldn’t have hoped for a better weekend and are looking forward to building on this success into 2014.

“The support shown from Perth & Kinross Council and Scone Palace has been much appreciated and we hope that these relationships and those we nurture with our sponsors, suppliers, exhibitors and visitors will hold us in good stead for the future.”

(Top main picture) Winner of the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy, Victor of Alltnacailleach from the Garrogie Estate, Inverness-shire, with ghillie Christina Ellis and judge Peter Fraser.

GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR |

© Linda Mellor

Golden ambassador Peter Wilson winning Double Trap specialist.

Peter was thrilled to be invited to open the show, he said: “I have been a Life Member of the GWCT since I was 21. It is my favourite organisation and it is one of my wishes to become an ambassador for the Trust in the Gold medallist Peter Wilson officially opened this year’s Fair, happily mingling with visitors. near future.”

In fact it was on one of our young e were very excited that Peter shots courses that Peter discovered his Wilson, Olympic gold medallist, talent for shooting clays. “I was just 14 and agreed to interrupt his frenetic entered a small competition during the schedule to officially open our Scottish Game Fair and help us celebrate our 25th anniversary. young shots day, which aimed to introduce youngsters to all that’s involved in running The crowds were delighted to meet this a day’s game shooting. I had not shot clays charming Olympian at the show. He happily chatted to everyone who approached him. Just before and I won. I loved the competitive part, especially winning and since then I have listening to his schedule since he won the not looked back.”

W

“

it is one of my wishes to become an ambassador for the Trust

”

medal during London 2012 is exhausting. The demands on his time are onerous, everyone wants to meet this distinguished man who shot to fame as the UK’s Olympic gold medal

Honing skills at an early age As a child, Peter lived with his parents on a farm in Dorset where his father breeds race horses. He says that he started shooting tin cans as an eight-year old and this rapidly led to shooting squirrels and woodpigeons, which helped him develop his almost instinctive quick and steady shooting skills.

The rest, as they say, is history. Peter’s training went from strength to strength, with some of the finest shots in the business offering him support and advice. However, the most significant influence has been world champion Ahmed Al Maktoum, whom Peter

spotted at a training session. Fortunately for Peter, this famous world champion had been observing Peter and was willing to take him on and coach him in the belief that he had what it takes to become world-class.

As Peter says: “In 2010, following an intensive training programme with Ahmed, I finally believed that I could win the Olympics and my aim for 2012 was to set a new world record.” This of course is exactly what he did at the London Olympics by completing the ambitious double and picking up the prized gold medal.

Raising the profile Despite his hectic schedule, Peter still enjoys going home to relax. He said: “We have a small syndicate shoot run by my father and there is nothing better than going out with eight or nine friends and enjoying three good drives. However, I firmly believe that if you shoot it, then you have to eat what you kill. It does not matter how many birds you shoot as long as they are eaten at the end of the day.

“The most important thing to me is to get more people engaged in shooting and I am so pleased that my Olympic achievement is helping to raise the profile of shooting as well as showing how it can change lives for the better. It gives me great pleasure to talk to school children about the sport and to explain how game shooting is good for conservation. That is why I whole-heartedly support the research work carried out by the GWCT. It’s a marvellous organisation and I hope that my efforts will help encourage more people to join.”

In the meantime, Peter is taking a year out to decide his future pathway. He is already enjoying coaching, but still has an eye on competing in the Rio Olympics in three years’ time. He has also become an accomplished speaker and is an ambassador for the sport.

We all wish him well for the future.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 27

| SCOTTISH NEWS

In brief Jamie Bruce (L-R) Graeme Rankin (project gamekeeper), Alastair Salvesen (farm owner), Paul Wheelhouse (Minister for Environment) and Dave Parish (senior GWCT scientist).

Minister visits partridge project

M

inister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, visited our Scottish Grey Partridge project at Whitburgh Farms in May. Mr Wheelhouse was given the chance to view grey partridge habitat and gain an understanding of how research being carried out into reversing the decline of the native grey partridge will be important for future Scottish agri-environment schemes.

In light of significant predation on the grey partridge population at the farm, despite management put in place to support species recovery, the project has undertaken wider raptor studies to gain an understanding of their habitat use and needs. The effect of predation was discussed with the Minister

and he was supportive of our research and monitoring into the effect that sparrowhawks and buzzards appear to be having on farmland birds and how this could be mitigated.

Already in the second year of the project, monitoring is showing that there are multiple pressures on our farmland species, some of which we can control to a degree, such as water quality, habitat or predation, and others which are beyond our immediate influence such as changes to our climate. We want to ensure that evidence informs the debate and, most importantly, that Scotland’s environmental policy remains agile and responsive to these changes; including the level of protection we offer our species.

Shoot walks

New chairman

T

here have been two Scottish shoot walks this spring. Whitburgh offered the South-East group the opportunity to see the work being carried out across the farm to support the grey partridge, including the design and layout of conservation headlands.

Sponsors, Kings Seeds also showed seed mixes and examples of desired game cover crops.

The Teasses Estate shoot walk, kindly supported by Welch Seeds, was led by estate manager John Stewart, headkeeper Kenny Horne and our advisor Hugo Straker.

Attendees were treated to viewing some of Whitburgh farm, home the estate’s excellent of the Scottish grey pheasant drives and partridge project. talked through the management changes that have been put in place to benefit both the sporting interests and wildlife. Refreshments were kindly provided by the estate.

28 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

W

e welcome Andrew Salvesen as the new Scottish chairman and we would like to thank Alasdair Laing, the Andrew Salvesen, our retiring chairman, for new Scottish Chairman. his tremendous efforts over what have been three hectic years in post. Alasdair had worked closely with us for many years on research and policy. But this was scant preparation for the passage of the Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill and the challenges of the cancelled 2012 Scottish Game Fair among many other issues. Alasdair made important contributions to our policy work in Scotland and we thank him warmly for his support.

Andrew Salvesen is a well-known figure in the Scottish business and land management world and has been a Trustee for a number of years. His priority will be making sure that we deliver core messages such as ‘Restoring the Balance’ – arguing for policies based on science which positively encourage both economic activity and conservation at little or no extra cost to the public purse.

WE WERE GREATLY saddened to hear that Jamie Bruce passed away on the 22 April this year. Jamie was an integral part of The Game Conservancy Trust for many years and helped Ian McCall start what has become known as GWCT Scotland. Jamie supported the launch of our Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace, uniquely held the position of Scottish committee chairman twice, as well as being a member of the Scottish Lowland Research Steering Committee. He was particularly involved as a Game Conservancy Scottish Research Trust trustee which supported Peter Hudson’s move to research grouse in Scotland. We are fortunate to have the on-going support of his sons John and Michael Bruce.

The late Jamie Bruce, a staunch supporter of the Trust.

Grampian challenge THE SHOOT SWEEPSTAKE scheme has proved very popular over recent years and has raised a substantial amount towards our work.

To encourage participants in the North-East of Scotland and reward the biggest fundraisers, the Grampian committee will be awarding a case of single malt whisky to the shoot or syndicate within their region that raises the most money in the 2013/14 season. To take part please contact Irene Johnston on 01738 551511.

Carnell Cup success MORE THAN 80 guns gathered on a beautiful, sunny morning to compete for the Carnell Cup in Ayrshire, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Micky Findlay.

Following the shoot, guests enjoyed drinks before sitting down to a delicious lobster and beef lunch.

Hilarity ensued as Steven Lynch proved himself to be an entertaining and highly persuasive auctioneer, raising in excess of £17,000. Thank you to everyone who attended and the fabulous volunteers and sponsors.

Winners of the Carnell Cup – the day raised £17,000.

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Bee photographs. © Laurie Campbell

| POLLINATORS - BEES AND NEONICOTINOIDS FEATURE

Saving our bees Bees are vitally important to our economy, but are declining due to a lack of pollen and nectar and the varroa mite, writes Peter Thompson

W

hat an amazing fact it is that about one third of the food we eat would not be available but for bees. The economic value of honey bees and bumblebees as pollinators of commercially grown insect-pollinated crops in the UK, has been estimated at over £200 million per year.

But bees are having a tough time at the moment and I think that we should all be more concerned about the situation. Do we really want to descend to the level of Japanese fruit growers who have been forced to employ huge teams of Key facts to ‘hand pollinate’ their crops 24 species of bumblebee in the people due to the absence of bees?

UK - most are in decline The honey bee is under attack 1/3 food we eat would not be from the varroa mite and it is only the treatment and care provided available without bees by beekeepers that is keeping most £200 million - the annual ecocolonies alive. Then there was the nomic value of bees as pollinators appalling summer of 2012 followed by this year’s long cold spring.

400 worker bees in each colony More than 40-50,000 commercially 8 months of the year pollen and produced bumblebee colonies, each nectar needs to be on offer for containing up to 100 worker bees, bees to flourish are imported annually to the UK, and more than one million colonies More information are sold each year worldwide. These Bumblebee Conservation Trust imported bees are used to pollinate www.bumblebeeconservation.org horticultural crops, but a team of British Beekeepers Association www.bbka.org.uk researchers have found parasites in

Our native bees are declining but we can all do more to help them recover.

See Kings wildflower offer on page 31.

30 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

over three-quarters of imported bumblebee colonies tested. Finally, there is the thorny issue over the pesticides known as neonicotinoids (see column opposite).

Let’s take a closer look at our familiar and much loved bumblebees and see what we can all do to help them, whether on a farm or in our garden. There are 24 species of bumblebee found in the UK and most of them are in decline, because our green and pleasant land is just that – green and not full of colour with masses of wild flowers. Pollen and nectar needs to be on offer in large amounts from March through to October if our bumblebees are to flourish, with bumblebees flying for more than a mile from the nest to find it.

We know that they require high-quality pollen to feed their young, which they can only get from certain plants such as clovers, vetches and trefoils, so these are particularly important. Farmers are encouraged to plant these legume mixes and are paid to do so by the Government, so these mixes can now be found on many farms across England, which hopefully will start to reverse the fortunes of these lovely insects.

The first bumblebee you see in early spring will be a queen feeding on flowers such as willow catkins or white dead nettle. She will soon build a nest usually situated underground in an empty mouse hole or just above the ground in dense tussocky grass. Then the queen collects lots of pollen and nectar and lays her first batch of eggs.

She incubates them just like a bird, sitting on them and ‘shivering’ her muscles to produce warmth.

Wildflower promotion

POLLINATORS - BEES AND NEONICOTINOIDS FEATURE |

Kings will donate £5 to the Trust for every 1kg pack of wildflower mix sold. Quote: KGWCT13

The small white grubs hatch out and eat the Kings Game Cover and Conservation Crops pollen and nectar www.kingscrops.co.uk 0800 587 9797 already in the nest, growing rapidly and eventually turning into pupae. After a few days the first ‘all female’ workers hatch out and begin to gather more food, so that by mid-summer the nest can contain more than 400 worker bees. At this point the queen lays more eggs which are this time both male and female. It is these females that will mate and burrow into the ground to hibernate until the following spring, when they emerge to start the whole process off once more. All the other bees including the males, workers and the old queen die off in the autumn.

Encouraging bees in gardens Many farmers are already growing pollen and nectar, but we can also help bumblebees by growing pollen and nectar-rich plants in our gardens. Lavender, bugloss, scabious, Knautia macedonica and Verbena bonariensis are all brilliant. Try to plant a range of flowers that produce pollen and nectar from early spring right through to the autumn.

Plant a range of flowers in your garden such as wildflowers, lavendar and verbena.

“Bees will fly more

than a mile from the nest to find pollen and nectar.”

Bees and neonicotinoids ‘The European Commission has banned the use of neonicotinoid pesticides from 1 December 2013.

The ban will be reviewed within two years.’

N

eonics (as they are commonly called) are systemic pesticides. Unlike contact pesticides which remain on the surface of the treated foliage, systemic products are taken up by the plant and transported to all the tissues (leaves, flowers, roots and stems, as well as pollen and nectar). Products containing neonics are most often applied in this country to the seed as a coating, which means that the amount of the chemical is tiny, yet highly targeted. The insecticide toxin remains active in the plant, protecting it for at least six weeks.

We know that neonics are acutely toxic to bees and other pollinator species when they have direct contact or are taken by mouth. However, the question is when neonics are applied to the seed, are they still harmful to pollinators because the insecticide may be present in pollen and nectar at levels sufficient to impair bee health, including disruption to foraging behaviour, homing ability, communication and larval development?

Laboratory studies point to subtle sub-lethal adverse effects on bee brains, individual bees, or colonies, but so far these effects have not been seen in the field. The ban on neonics means that UK farmers who grow oilseed rape in particular, may well revert back to over-all insecticide spraying as occurred 10 years ago, which may in fact be worse for pollinating species, including bees.

Both the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust did not call for an immediate ban on neonicotinoids, having major concerns that should the use of these products be restricted they would be replaced by more hazardous older products.

However, both call for urgent further research and monitoring to be carried out.

Peter Thompson is our

biodiversity advisor and an expert on farmland habitat and wildlife. He was recently a finalist in the Farmers Weekly advisor awards.

BuglossFarmers plant pollen and nectar strips

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 31

T

GWCT Charity Gun Draw 2013 Your chance to win a beautiful pair of made to measure guns worth £14,750 For you or someone else.

Tickets sold in aid of the Campaign for Game.

Ticket numbers strictly limited to 2,500 – selling fast, don’t miss out!

Win a pair of guns from one of the world’s finest gun makers and raise money to research the conservation values of shooting

IC Mo KET nda DE y 2 AD De LIN cem E ber

ENTER NOW CALL 01425 652381

Enter the 2013 Gun Draw and help provide the evidence to counter incorrect allegations against shooting. See page 36-37 for more on the Campaign for Game.

Tickets are £50 each, issued on a first-come first-served basis.

We will write and confirm your ticket number(s). The draw will take place on Thursday 5 December 2013.

Your ticket purchase will help us measure and publish the myriad of conservation ‘wins’ shoots can and do achieve.

Please send me Gun Draw @£50 each

tickets for the

Name Address

Postcode Email:

@

Please return to: Gun Draw, GWCT, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF

I enclose a cheque made payable to ‘GWCT’ for:

£

Or – I wish to pay by debit/credit card Please debit my MasterCard/ Visa/Other (Please delete as appropriate)

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32 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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All entries must have been received by 5pm on Monday 2 December 2013 at the GWCT, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge SP6 1EF. Full terms and conditions are on our website: www.gwct.org.uk/gundraw

Advisory Lead shot

Mike Swan stresses the importance of lead-free wetlands

T

here I was, having a wonderful day when a dilemma decided to fly my way. A pair of ducks flushed from the marl pit hidden inside a wood and headed towards me, but I was loaded with lead. There was just time to break the gun, empty the top barrel, replace with a bismuth cartridge, and shoot taking care to pick the drake. After the drive, the head keeper complimented me on my speed of change and I proudly showed him the spent bismuth case.

Members will be only too aware that lead has been in the news, with a joint statement on compliance with lead regulations by all our representative organisations, and now an e-pledge to sign up to. This was followed up by a BBC Countryfile programme, with a two part feature on lead and waterfowl, which repeated the point that birds are still picking up lead pellets when they should not.

Some folk may not think that this matters, but I assure them that it does. Whether we like it or not, some species of wildfowl are particularly prone to picking up spent shot, and when this is ground up in their gizzards it is very bad for them. Many die, and in a very slow and unpleasant way, while those that do not are more likely to be predated. This, of course has potential poisoning implications for the predators as well as the wildfowl.

So, where is the lead coming from? The use of lead shot for wildfowl has been illegal in England since 1999 with Wales following soon after. There are also severe

Young shots success

O

ur Young Shooters days to promote conservation and game management to youngsters, were a huge success throughout the country.

With a score of 13 out of 15, Cain Stewart was top shot at the Northumberland day, with Tom

restrictions on where you can use lead to avoid deposition on most wetland SSSI areas, and Scotland has simply made it illegal to deposit lead shot in wetlands whatever you are shooting.

Many believe that the shot picked up by today’s wildfowl is mostly historical, but research into the availability of spent lead in wetland soils shows that most of it soon becomes unavailable to ducks. However, the legislation as it stands could never entirely prevent the odd duck from picking up a lead pellet. That said, there should have been a much greater reduction in incidence by now, and the obvious cause is that some shooters are not abiding by the regulations as well as they should.

Signing a pledge that says you support obeying the law may seem slightly trite, but a really well supported pledge will help to pressure the non-compliers into following the rules too, as well as showing that those who shoot do care about this issue. Sign up at www.leadshotcampaign.org.uk if you have not already done so.

What else can we do to help prevent wildfowl from finding and ingesting lead pellets? Following the law is essential, but I think we can go further. On another favourite shoot, part of the day is spent stirring up the snipe and ducks, plus the odd wild pheasant, on an area which includes some water meadows. The latter are part of the Avon Valley SSSI, where it is illegal to

Percy awarded most improving shot. These days are an excellent introduction for youngsters into the countryside teaching them skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

The use of leadshot for wildfowl has been illegal in the UK since 1999 and it is illegal in Scotland to deposit lead shot in wetlands, whatever the species.

Wildfowl are prone to picking up spent shot and many die.

This then causes potential poisoning implications for predators.

All shooters should abide by the law and sign the lead shot pledge.

use lead. The rule here is simple, ‘No lead’ even when we are after the pheasants on the drier ground. If you think that this is a bit excessive, shot can travel several hundred metres, and the little pheasant drives are closer than that to the water meadows where the teal and mallard feed.

I wish more shoot captains would take this sort of precautionary approach.

The Code of Good Shooting Practice says: ‘Guns should avoid depositing lead shot in wetlands important to feeding waterfowl’. If we all followed this rule, there would be far less scope for criticism just now.

More information Sign the pledge at: www.leadshotcampaign.org.uk Code of good shooting practice www.gwct.org.uk/codegoodshooting

Mike Swan is our southern regional advisor. An expert in his field he has advised many clients to help them boost their wild broods, and is full of advice and top tips.

Boosting partridges A practical in-depth course on how to re-introduce or boost grey partridge numbers will take place on Thursday 7 November, at Fordingbridge, Hampshire. This course is designed to help ensure that your partridge project is a success. Contact Lynda Ferguson 01425 651013. Places cost £66.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 33

© Dave Kjaer

Avoiding lead in wetlands

| RELEASING AND FEEDING - ADVISORY SERVICE

Improvement to release pen management is our most frequent advice to improve shoot performance. (Inset: Poults. © David Mason)

Releasing

Pheasant fundamentals Did you have trouble keeping your poults this summer? Ian Lindsay gives his tried and tested advice for the perfect release pen management

R

eleased pheasants are at the heart of most British shoots and, without them, organised shooting would be impossible in many parts of the country.

Management of released game is capable of providing significant benefits to many other wildlife species. Despite this, the sheer number of pheasants released annually is being increasingly challenged, largely on the basis of unsupported allegations of their effect on other species and sensitive habitats.

The optimal scale of release is the minimum required to sustain the desired amount of shooting, and at densities that minimise potential risk to other species and habitats. Unfortunately around 20% of all birds released are dead before the shooting season has even begun, and over the past 30 years,

improvement to release pen management is our most frequent recommendation to improve shoot performance.

Releasing and feeding

The key function of a release pen is to provide an attractive, protected habitat in which young poults can acclimatise to life in the wild and develop two key behaviours.

The first is roosting in suitable trees, the bird’s primary defence against the fox, its main predator. The second is to familiarise them with the feeding system – hopper, spinner or bucket – which will be used. Survival will be significantly compromised if birds desert the pen through poor habitat, overcrowding, a lack of sunlight or insufficient food, before these behaviours have been established.

Key features of pheasant release pens Pen habitat For

Pen size There should not be more than 1,000 birds/ha of release pen.

Where pens have to be located in semi-natural woodland sites this should be reduced to 700/ha. Poults will do better at this lower density.

34 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

at least 50 years the maxim ‘onethird ground cover, one-third roosting cover and one-third open sunlight’ has stood as sound advice for release pen habitat. Too little ground cover will exacerbate losses to predators like buzzards.

A lack of low and medium height roosting cover (hazel, hawthorn or conifer) will lead to a delay, or a failure to develop roosting behaviour in the relative safety of the pen.

Pen management For about the first two weeks, or until the majority of the birds are reliably roosting at night, the pen will need visiting twice daily to replenish feeders, check electric fences and push early escapees back in via the re-entry funnels. Assuming habitat is good with adequate low and medium height roosting trees, by the third week most birds should be safely roosting, allowing once-daily checks and beginning the gradual movement of birds from the release site.

Feeding The system to which the poults are introduced in the pen should be seen as the beginning of a 12-month programme that provides adequate food to hold them through the shooting season, and extends through the next spring and summer, to maximise the breeding condition of released hens. In this way gamebird feeding also benefits a wide range of other farmland bird species.

For more details of gamebird releasing please contact our Advisory Service on 01425 651013.

Ian Lindsay is director of

advisory and education. He has been advising shoots on game management for more than 25 years and is an expert on gamebird releasing.

WOODLANDS AND UPLANDS - ADVISORY SERVICE |

Woodland

The importance of dead wood

M

ost of Britain was once covered in broadleaved forest, but today only around 12% of our landscape remains wooded. The composition of those woods has also changed with ancient woodland, which has been continuously wooded since at least 1600AD, covering only 2% of the UK’s land area. Research shows that 40% of the forest eco-system is dependent on dead wood. Dead or rotting trees provide homes for a huge range of organisms. Dead wood habitat also occurs on perfectly healthy trees in the form of rotting holes, dead limbs and heart rot where the centre of the tree is decaying.

Species 5,000 British species (about 13% of the total) have life cycles that are dependent on the dead wood environment.

Fungi, mosses, liverworts and lichens quickly assemble on dead or dying wood.

750 beetles are linked to dead wood, with species like the stag beetle which can grow to nearly three inches in length.

The Noctule bat uses tree cavities as a hideaway and many species of birds nest in holes and cracks within trees.

Woodpeckers and willow tits excavate their own nesting holes in rotten wood.

How to create dead wood Most woods today are uniform in age, but you can create this important habitat and after a few years the woodland will support a range of dead wood habitats that will attract a wide variety of associated wildlife.

Try not to clear up all dead or dying wood. Just take what you need for fire wood.

Create dead standing trees using a chainsaw to ring bark the trees. Make two cuts right round the tree’s trunk.

The bottom cut can be made about a foot above ground level with the second cut some four inches above this.

Remove the bark from between the two cuts, thereby killing the tree. Do this to a few different types of tree each year, as trees decay at different rates.

Soon you will have a range of different stages of rotting trees, some of which will fall over.

Trees can also be pollarded or have wounds, cuts and crevices made into an otherwise healthy tree ‘mimicking’ natural aging or storm Top tips damage, quickly providing sites for Create a mosaic of structure and dead wood species to colonise. habitats within woodlands.

Coppicing the understorey shrubs Leave parts of the wood unmanaged. within a woodland creates open, Don’t rush to replant bare areas – sunny areas, ideal for many birds if light is allowed in natural and butterflies. Make log piles in a colonisation will occur.

Deer control is vital. shaded part of the wood so that it The whole process is important remains damp. If a tree is cut down from damaged to dying wood, for its timber value, leave the tree through to both standing and fallen stump to rot in place. dead wood.

Uplands

ID tags and medicated grit Qs & As Q. In Scotland, should all catchalive cage traps carry an ID tag?

A. The only traps that must legally carry an ID tag are multi-catch crow cages, Larsen traps, Larsen pod traps and Larsen mate traps. Other catch-alive cage traps such as those used to control mink, feral cats, rabbits, squirrels etc, do not have to carry an ID tag. All corvid traps in Scotland must carry a tag or sign when in use, clearly displaying a unique estate/land holding ID number (issued through the police) and the telephone number of the local police or wildlife crime officer. As it is an offence not to provide legible information, trap operators should make sure that the code and telephone numbers do not become obscured through weathering. It is important to remember that every fox and rabbit snare when set in Scotland must now carry the operator’s individual ID number, clearly inscribed or engraved on a metal or hard plastic tag and attached to the snare or snare hardware eg. anchor (but not the tealer). The ID number, as issued by the police following formal training by an accredited body such as the GWCT, must also be prefixed with the letter of the species intended for capture eg. F (for fox).

Q. With the widespread use of medicated grit, could the strongyle worm develop resistance to the drug?

A. Yes. The experiences of stockmen controlling parasites in domestic animals shows us that resistance can build up, making the drugs much less effective or having their efficacy break down all together.

Usually the solution is

to start using another drug, but this is not an option with medicated grit as there aren’t any replacement drugs.

Q. What research is the GWCT undertaking to prevent resistance?

A. Our research is focusing on two main areas. We are ensuring that grouse consume enough wormer on medicated grit to ensure that there is a sufficiently high kill rate of adult worms. A rearing field experiment involving captive birds, backed up by field studies, suggests that this is indeed the case. We are also conducting trials to establish whether medicated grit needs to be used every year, especially when worms are reduced to low numbers.

If counts of worm eggs in grouse caecal matter are sufficiently low and medicated grit does not need to be used then don’t use it. However, we need to continue to research the practicalities of such an approach before we can give this advice with any confidence.

Q. What else can I do?

A. We will be updating our guidance on worm control this winter to incorporate our latest research. In the interim, we recommend providing a gritting station per grouse territory, careful planned monitoring of worm levels, both adult worms in shot grouse in the autumn and worm eggs in the spring, and only using medicated grit when necessary. Our GTS Service can help with counts of worm eggs and adult worms, and subsequent interpretation.

Henrietta Appleton is our

northern regional advisor and helps run our Grouse Technical Services, which provides in-depth advice on upland and grouse management.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 35

| CAMPAIGN FOR GAME

Working together for the Campaign for Game Following the successful launch of the Campaign for Game, Ian Lindsay explains how shoots can demonstrate their contribution to conservation We want to encourage shoots to plant cover crops that maximise feeding for wild birds.

“

N

ature conservation has always been at the heart of the countryside, but it seems to be an increasingly prominent national issue. Recent media coverage of the State of Nature report presented concerns about woodland biodiversity, but little is made of the positive effect that good game management can and does have on the British landscape.

The Campaign for Game, launched at the CLA Game Fair in July, aims to provide unequivocal evidence of the

The Campaign aims to provide unequivocal evidence of the net conservation gains game management provides...

”

net conservation gains game management provides to a huge range of wildlife, plants, insects and birds, while sharing proven land management knowledge to allow good practices to spread.

The essence of the Campaign for Game is collaboration. Working together, landowners and the gamekeeping community can continue their hard work and, with the right methods, ensure the biodiversity that reared game shooting can bring.

36 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

As a community, we need to identify what the challenges might be, where they exist and how we can address the effects of gamebird releasing to maximise the environmental benefits.

We aim to encourage individual shoots to increase the ways in which they benefit wildlife by adopting the key management actions including: Feeding through the winter to avoid the hungry gap, so helping our songbirds as well as game.

Being aware of all designated land (eg. SSSIs) in making plans for a shoot.

Selecting cover mixes which maximise feeding for wild birds, rather than only planting maize.

Looking out for and identifying the wildlife on land managed for shooting.

To promote wider conservation, our Advisory Service has created a new and bespoke ‘biodiversity assessment’. This process will aid shoots in identifying the successful work they are undertaking, as well as where they need to improve. It also provides the framework to make a sustainable case for the benefits of organised released game shooting.

The greater the level of participation, the larger the effect the campaign can have. Effective national uptake of the assessment will start to provide a clear demonstration of the contribution of game management to wildlife conservation in the UK. Thankfully, many supporters are already taking up the cause. Barney Stratton, who runs an 8,000 acre shoot in Wiltshire has already pledged his support for the Campaign and has encouraged the 14 shoots in his

CAMPAIGN FOR GAME |

Key actions Ensuring gamebirds are released at recommended densities which minimise damaging effects on woodland habitats.

Feeding through the winter to avoid the hungry gap, helping our songbirds as well as game.

Being aware of all designated land (eg.

SSSIs) in making plans for the shoot.

Minimising risk of impact on designated land and key local species.

Siting pens to minimise impacts on the points above as well as hedgerows.

Siting pens to avoid road deaths.

Selecting cover mixes which maximise feeding for farmland birds.

Providing habitat, food and shelter for surviving gamebirds so they can breed in the wild.

Counting wildlife; and Maintaining legal and responsible predator control where necessary.

shoot association to undertake a ‘biodiversity assessment’ through the GWCT. He said: “Shoots have a lot to be proud of in terms of what they do for nature conservation, but unless this is documented it counts for little in a media age where facts have to be presented clearly, consistently and constantly. We need to show those who wish to denigrate what we do that they are barking up the wrong tree. By getting involved in the GWCT’s Campaign for Game, at a local level shoots can help to provide a clear case for the biodiversity benefits that game management makes to wildlife conservation.”

With wider involvement, the Campaign for Game is confident of achieving its four main aims: 1. Promoting the great potential lowland reared shooting has to bring to benefit wildlife.

2. Improving the wildlife performance of shoots by offering a new GWCT ‘biodiversity assessment’ to any reared shoot, to help

Does your shoot feed farmland birds through winter?

Careful game management can benefit many other species.

The Campaign for Game Campaign launch - step up to the challenge Our launch of the Campaign for Game at the CLA Game Fair in July ensured that the initiative got off to a flying start. We welcomed more than 30 leading journalists, as well as a number of members, to a special briefing session on the stand to explain the significance of the new Campaign.

Professor Nick Sotherton and Ian Lindsay shared the platform at the event, describing why this new initiative is so important and why the shooting community should support the Campaign for Game. Nick Sotherton highlighted the need for more research on the benefits of reared game shooting and Ian Lindsay outlined the Campaign’s objectives over the next few years.

Ian said: “As a community, we need to identify what the challenges might be and where they exist, how we can address the effects of gamebird releasing to maximise the environmental benefits. I would urge everyone who loves their sport to support this Campaign.”

make the most for wildlife.

3. Highlighting the need for more research to investigate further how reared game shooting can play its part in wildlife recovery and reduce the risk of any adverse effects of shooting to a minimum.

4. Allowing shoot managers to clarify to themselves that they are making a net contribution to biodiversity.

Further to the ‘biodiversity assessment’ programme, we are working hard to collate a body of research on the environmental sustainability of game management activities. In doing so, we aim to provide scientific, peer-reviewed answers to a number of key questions. These range from broader issues, such as the current scale of game management, to specific and vital topics such as how we can ensure that released birds still in the countryside after the season closes, survive to breed in the wild.

We are holding a number of events and courses for members throughout the autumn including:

Grey partridge meetings We are holding grey partridge group meetings around the country. These provide an excellent opportunity to look at good over-winter habitat, not just for partridges, but for other farmland birds too. There will also be advice on feeding, with many examples of cover crops on show.

See www.gwct.org.uk/greypartridgemeetings for more information.

Ian Lindsay is director of

advisory and education. He has been advising shoots on game management for more than 25 years and is keen to show the net gain to biodiversity.

More information To support our Campaign for Game www.gwct.org.uk/campaign4game Contact our advisors on 01425 651013

Life and times of the brown hare Tuesday 8 October, Allerton Project, Loddington, Leicestershire; Tuesday 15 October, Clinton Devon Estate, Budleigh Salterton.

A practical look at how to bring back hares where they have declined and integrate with modern day farming practices.

To book please contact Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013 or email advisory@gwct.org.uk GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 37

| MEET A MEMBER OF STAFF/EDUCATION

Conflict Management and Law at the University of Oregon.

What was your dream job when you were young?

To own my own pack station taking people into the Yosemite National Park on horseback.

What would you like to do in the future?

natural environments left; it is all managed. Whereas in the US we leave natural landscapes, and only recently have just started managing some of them. There are designated wilderness areas in the national parks that are left, so there are spikes and crashes in wild populations.

L

ook out for the brambling this winter.

They are often over-looked as they resemble a rather ‘orangey’ chaffinch, but once the natural food in the countryside diminishes, they may well join your other garden birds to feed around the bird table.

Why the GWCT?

To work in the field of natural resources and law and conflict, as in the middle of drought with an increasing population, conflict is high.

The Trust has a definite mission and is not afraid to step outside and look critically at how we do things and evaluate whether it is the best way. This is impressive and more people need to do it.

What’s the most exciting aspect of conflict resolution?

What advice would you give to aspiring scientists?

Being able to make a difference and improve communication between groups and help them come to a compromise.

Get experience and take advantage of the opportunities you get – don’t worry about going too far from home.

What’s the biggest issue in Scotland at the moment?

Capercaillie and pine martens.

Hopefully we can bring together opposing groups to listen and work with each other, as no-one wants to lose either species.

Look out for...

Moore in a minute Favourite food?

Fact: A hibernating hedgehog’s heart beat will drop from a normal 190 beats per minute to around 20 and it will only take a breath once every few minutes.

Remember to feed the birds this winter through until May, and you may see the brambling paying a visit.

Did you know: The cormorant is sometimes called the ‘Parson’ because of its habit of standing with its wings outstretched to dry them – reminding people of a preaching vicar.

Biscuits and gravy – bread balls covered in sausage gravy.

Favourite hobby?

What are the differences between the USA and the UK?

Horseback riding on my horse Rooster and clay shooting.

The biggest difference in the UK is there are not a lot of

What was the last book you read?

Curtis Moore from Oregon, meeting the garron at Invermark Estate during his visit to Scotland.

War Horse: A History of the Military Horse and Rider by Louis A. DiMarco.

Favourite place?

Sierra Nevada Mountains where I grew up and have a lot of childhood memories.

Where did you last go on holiday?

Scotland.

Most inspirational person?

Aldo Leopold – he talks about conservation not preservation.

Its multiple uses through hunting, farming and grazing help conservation so as many people enjoy it as possible.

38 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

Test your wildlife knowledge If you are under 21 send in your answers and you will be entered into a draw to win an afternoon with Peter Thompson, our biodiversity advisor, in the spring.

1. What sort of species is a ‘chimney sweeper’?

2. What is the seed of the beech tree called?

3. In the north of the UK during the winter months, many stoats turn white. What is the name given to this white fur?

4. A gram of woodland soil can contain up to how many microscopic fungi – 250,000, 500,000 or one million?

5. If you spot a waxwing eating berries, what have you seen?

6. What is it called when a grey partridge covey goes to roost?

7. What is the scientific consensus of the likelihood that two large snowflakes could be identical – zero, 1 in a million or 1 in 100 million?

8. Which of the following species do not hibernate over winter – dormouse, harvest mouse, hedgehog or pipistrelle bat?

9. What is ‘crested dog’s tail?

10. Which is the odd one out and give two reasons why?

Pedunculate, sessile and holm oak?

Please send in your answers, stating your age if under 21, by 31 December.

Email editor@gwct.org.uk or post to Wildlife Quiz, GWCT, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1EF. Answers will be published in the spring Gamewise.

Answers for the summer quiz were: 1. They both belong to the mustelidae family 2. Ash 3. A migrant butterfly 4. Sessile and ped unculate 5. The muntjac was introduced from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire 6. Go back 7. 1,000 tonnes 8. Crustacean 9. 3,000 10. A nightjar.

What are you studying at university?

ho am I? Capercaillie. © Dave Kjaer

C

urtis Moore, an intern student from America, came and worked with our Scottish and English policy teams this summer to help us improve our understanding of how researchers, policy makers and society at large need to interact to address a conflict.

W

Curtis in the spotlight...

Did you know: The common weed ‘Fathen’ was once grown widely as a valued food crop

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GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 39

| WAYS TO SUPPORT US - CHRISTMAS CARDS

Brand new GWCT Christmas cards for 2013 Send your colleagues, friends, loved ones or associates one of these six exclusively designed cards this Christmas. Each card features a wonderful country scene created by a leading artist and includes the greeting ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’.

Priced at £5.50 for a pack of 10 cards (or £6.50 for the larger ‘Release Pen Rave’ design), all profits support our on-going research.

Christmas Flypast Printed by kind permission of the artist Owen Williams £5.50 (121mm x 171mm Tent Fold)

Barn Owl Flight Study Printed by kind permission of the artist Ashley Boon £5.50 (171mm x 121mm Gate Fold)

Pheasant Printed by kind permission of the artist Rodger McPhail £5.50

Reflective Moments Printed by kind permission of the artist Colin Woolf £5.50

(171mm x 121mm Gate Fold)

(100mm x 210mm Tent Fold)

Woodcock in Snowy Landscape Printed by kind permission of the artist Jason Lowes £5.50 (121mm x 171mm Tent Fold)

Release Pen Rave Printed by kind permission of the artist Loon £6.50

Personalise your cards To make your greetings more personal, we also offer overprinting options for corporate and private orders. For more information, telephone 01425 651016.

Order early to avoid missing out on your favourite design Place your order today either online at www.gwctshop.org.uk or by telephoning us on 01425 652381.

(154mm x 223mm Tent Fold)

Any of these items can be ordered online at www.gwctshop.org.uk or by telephoning us on 01425 652381 (Mon-Fri, 9-5.30) 40 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

WAYS TO SUPPORT US - GIFTS AND BENEFITS |

Ideal presents for you and your loved ones Books

Partridges G.R. Potts – Hardback £50/Paperback £30

Woodcock Fieldcraft and Quarry Professor Colin Trotman – £25

This excellent book takes a comprehensive look at this fascinating species, using scientific research to reflect population numbers, migration, natural history and more. It is a beautifully illustrated roughshooter’s guide, with stunning photographs, looking at the responsible approach to shooting woodcock.

This groundbreaking addition to the New Naturalist series is a must have for partridge lovers. Potts explores how mankind and partridges have evolved together, highlighting positive examples including the Norfolk Estate in the Sussex Study area. A complex and fascinating story with a heady mix of hunting, farming, predation, parasites, disease and climate change.

Woodcock and pin-feather painting Colin & Joanne Woolf - £93

Limited to just 500 copies, this title celebrates over two decades of magnificent paintings Colin has created using woodcock pin-feathers. He has revived a little-known traditional technique and refined it into a unique, breathtaking skill which continues to inspire admiration worldwide. This hardback book is a fascinating exploration of the natural history of woodcock. For each book sold, Colin will donate a percentage towards funding ‘Lanyon’, one of our woodcock who was tagged in Cornwall (see page 20).

Clothing Members’ ties and cufflinks (£19.95 each)

Golf umbrellas £25

Our stylish members’ ties are made of pure silk and feature the GWCT partridge in gold on your choice of burgundy, navy or green. Alternatively, you could treat someone to our cufflinks which are made to the highest Jermyn Street standards.

Our large golfing umbrellas are perfect to shield you from a downpour. They feature the GWCT partridge logo and have green and white panels and a wooden handle.

NEW

Ladies gifts Musto Loddington jacket - £325

Buy the ultimate shooting jacket with your key aims at heart, as Musto contribute 5% of each jacket sold to our research. Durably waterproof (GORE-TEX® drop liner), highly breathable and windproof.

Exclusive ladies scarf (100% polyester) £15.95 or £16.95 with a gift box Taking inspiration from the grey partridge, we have designed a limited edition ladies scarf. The delicate grey and pale orange feather design will make an attractive gift for any lady who likes to enhance an outfit with a delicate accessory. This exclusive design is limited to 50 so don’t miss out.

The future

A lasting gift Do you know anyone who would like to become a GWCT member? Membership can be a wonderful gift and all of our research and action is dependent on the support and interest of our dedicated members – a wonderful group of people intent on preserving something many take for granted.

Your membership means so much to us and we would be delighted for you to introduce a friend by giving them a gift membership this Christmas. Membership allows you to: Enjoy Gamewise, our magazine produced three times a year.

Receive a personal copy of our annual Review.

Participate in the Members’ Prize Draw raffle.

Attend the GWCT’s Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace.

Relax in our large members’ area at the CLA Game Fair.

Visit our groundbreaking Allerton Project Farm at Loddington, Leicestershire.

Become part of your county group and get involved in local activities.

Play your part in conserving our countryside for generations to come.

To purchase a gift subscription, simply call us on 01425 652381 or email join@gwct.org.uk A new member’s welcome pack will be sent to you within seven days.

Thank you - your support makes a huge difference

For more gift ideas look online at www.gwctshop.org.uk

Any of these items can be ordered online at www.gwctshop.org.uk or by telephoning us on 01425 652381 (Mon-Fri, 9-5.30) GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 41

© Jon Farmer www.overandundersporting.co.uk

Events

Archie the vulture meets young Charlie.

Jemima Sheppard on the archery range.

(L-R) Organisors, Chris and Julia Butterfield, with Ian Coghill, GWCT chairman of Trustees.

Countryside day a soaring success

C Fast and furious dog agility.

Clay shooting; meeting the Oakley Foot beagles.

hris and Julia Butterfield, together with the Nottinghamshire committee, raised an impressive £50,000 when they held a glorious country fair, complete with a spectacular main arena showcasing a huge cross-section of action-packed countryside themed displays and activities. The afternoon even included a Dakota flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Chris Butterfield said: “We are thrilled that the day was so successful. It was a marvellous opportunity to showcase the workings of the countryside and to highlight, among other things, how we strive to balance agriculture, rural recreation and conservation. We are indebted to the many people who helped in the preparation, on the day and who sponsored the event. It made this day very special.”

In addition to raising funds for the Trust, Chris and Julia hosted two other charity events organised by the local Cancer Research and NSPCC committees which raised a further impressive £50,000. (See page 11)

Fly-casting competitions; the Quorn hunt parade.

Katy Cropper and her team.

John Taylor and his heavy horses from Doncaster.

Records smashed and changing attitudes

V

isits to Highgrove provide an excellent boost to our fundraising and provide the committees with the outstanding opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens, followed by dinner and an auction in the Orangery. Recently Ian Bowler and his Wiltshire committee raised a fantastic £23,000 and James Martindale

42 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

and his Oxfordshire committee raised a record £37,500. Thank you to everyone who contributed, especially the auction lot donors.

The Derbyshire committee’s dinner held at Hassop Hall, also made a record £30,000 due to the efforts of chairman, Jonathan Wildgoose, and Steve Salloway who did a sterling job with the auction.

Trust expert, Jonathan Reynolds, was the guest speaker at the Surrey committee’s dinner at The Parrots Inn, Forest Green, and he then visited the Isle of Wight for the committee’s predator control evening. He explained to guests how science is helping to change attitudes towards the control of common predators.

EVENTS |

In brief

Harnage Grange shoot in Shropshire showed how it turned a 12 hectare field back into wetland using Higher Level Stewardship. Three years later it is attracting a good number of wildfowl and wading birds.

Trials and tribulations WILL GARFIT AND Francis Buner entertained guests at the Royal Air Force Club in June, and together with the help of James Maunder-Taylor, and a very successful auction, raised £13,000. Will Garfit amused guests with his funny anecdotes about shooting and Francis Buner gave a hugely entertaining account of the trials and tribulations of being a GWCT scientist, giving guests an insight into the challenges of research.

Shoot walk record

A

(L-R) Nick Forde, Francis Buner, Lisa Linard and Will Garfit.

Dave Newborn shared the latest Trust advice on Bleasdale Estate’s grouse moor.

Euan McAlpine, Rupert Greenall, Ian Lindsay and Ian Coghill on the LLanarmon Estate shoot walk.

The Dorset committee were shown round Cranborne Estate’s Grey Partridge Restoration Project: a successful combination of Stewardship schemes, good keepering and an understanding arable regime.

The balance of La Garganta

The Suffolk group at Dennington Hall were treated to a masterclass in woodland management.

CLA Game Fair

T

Bristol chairman, Jerry Barnes from Smith & Williamson, and Ian Coghill, GWCT chairman; drinks at Ragley Hall.

WILD GREY PARTRIDGE production, habitat and environment management was covered in full by Sandringham headkeeper David Clark, ably assisted by Tim Furbank of Oakbank Seeds, when he was guest speaker at the south-east Wales evening. Held at the Three Salmons Hotel, the audience were also inspired by a film showing a flourishing grey partridge restoration project on a farm in northern France. Pearls of wisdom and comprehensive advice were interspersed with flashes of David’s wicked sense of humour.

his year’s CLA Game Fair was held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. Blessed with blistering heat, our members’ area provided muchneeded refreshment and our stand provided an excellent opportunity to showcase our latest research to Defra Ministers, Owen Patterson, Richard Benyon, who presented the Julian Gardner photographic competition awards, and trustee and ex-minister Jim Paice. Smith & Williamson kindly hosted a drinks party on Friday night and Jerry Barnes, partner and Bristol county chairman said: “We have been a great supporter of the Trust for many years and we were delighted to join them at Ragley Hall.”

(L-R) Tim Furbank (Oakbank), Ian Coghill (GWCT chairman), David Clark (Sandringham headkeeper) and Roger Thomas (south-east Wales chairman).

(L-R) Minister Owen Patterson and woodcock expert, Andrew Hoodless; pheasant chicks were a good draw; Roger Cross receiving an Owen Williams print from Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, in recognition of his many years of support.

Pearls of wisdom in Wales

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 43

© Jon Farmer www.overandundersporting.co.uk

HIS GRACE THE Duke of Westminster spoke to 200 guests at Christie’s in May, about his 30,000 acre estate La Garganta in Spain. With a fascinating and often hilarious talk entitled ‘Predator v. game – the balance’, he took the audience through the unique eco-system he and his team have created, using many beautiful pictures to show the incredibly diverse range of wildlife living in this part of Spain, some of which are only found at La Garganta.

record 38 shoot walks were held this summer, with one in almost every county. Covering everything from beetle banks, farmland birds and wild bird seed mixes, to management of woodlands and rivers, pheasants and grouse, these walks give an insight into the individual estates and farms and provide tips on shoot and conservation management, with many ideas for guests to take away.

We would like to thank all the hosts, sponsors and the speakers for making these events such a success.

© Jon Farmer www.overandundersporting.co.uk

| EVENTS

In brief Armoured horse at drinks (L-R) David Hull, Shaun Marriot, Andy Darlow and Andy Martin were the winners of Northamptonshire’s inter-shoot challenge held in May. Organisor, Richard Wright said: “This event has grown to include five stands simulating wild targets, to create a driven-day feel using the beautiful terrain to make it more challenging.”

Clays raise the game

New era for Suffolk

C

lay shoots were popular this summer and provide a fun, social day where friends can come and compete against each other and get some practice before the start of the season.

Northamptonshire, Dorset, Essex and Gloucestershire all held successful clay shoots with Essex having its best day’s shooting and raising a record £22,000. This year’s Whitfield proved to be another triumphant weekend raising a fantastic £61,840 with proceeds divided between four charities including the Trust, the Countryside Alliance, the Hexham Hospital Scanner Appeal and Marie Curie. A trophy in memory of co-founder George Ridley, was awarded on both days to a team placed 20th, as team 20 represents a good overall score and George was always a firm believer in giving everyone the opportunity to be a winner. We would like to thank all the hosts, sponsors and helpers for making these days such a success.

(Top L-R) James Wombwell, Olly Moore, Hugo Richardson and Letitia Glaister at the Essex clay shoot that raised a record £22,000.

(Top) Paul James and Mark Cuificelli from Gamebore.

(L-R) The Whitfield winning team of Richard Marsh, Wallace Emmerson, Phillip Marsh, Thomas Marsh and Robin Todd.

Tests show off canine skills

G

undog days were well supported with a range of tests to suit all levels from open to puppy classes.

Stalwart helpers threw dummies and fired guns to simulate as many situations as possible that a dog would be faced with out shooting. We are very grateful to the Dorset, Buckinghamshire and Essex committees for holding these popular days and to the sponsors for providing the prizes.

Successful water retrieves at the Dorset gundog day.

44 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

THE WARWICKSHIRE DRINKS party and auction took on an educational twist this year with guests able to look round Stratford Armouries Museum, near Stratford upon Avon, which features amazing exhibits such as Leonardo da Vinci’s giant crossbow and a life-sized armoured horse. Thanks to owner James Wigington and all the auction lot donors, the evening raised more than £7,000.

PHILIP BODIE HAS taken over from Iain Jamie as Suffolk chairman, and his committee is underway with a full calendar of educational and fundraising events. Following on from the New Suffolk chairman, success of the recent shoot Philip Bodie walk and Suffolk’s popular clay day, Philip is keen to encourage more people to support the Trust and said: “By supporting initiatives such as the Allerton Project, the Trust is making a real contribution to sustainability and conservation in the countryside based on science. This can only build on growing public awareness of the good work the Trust does.” Philip believes this is imperative when competing for charitable donations and is impressed by the level of support the GWCT receives. Look out for Suffolk events in 2014.

Finest whisky night JULIAN KAYE OF the Wright Wine Company, Skipton, presented a great insight into a variety of the finest whiskies to a lively and enthusiastic West Yorkshire audience at North Deighton. Thanks to all the supporters this popular evening was a huge success and raised £5,000.

Hugely enjoyable family day

The Buckinghamshire winners and judges from the gundog day at Waddesdon Estate.

(Right) Wendy putting her spaniel Karis through her paces at the Essex day held at Great Bardfield.

MORE THAN 300 sausages, four challenging clay stands, dog races including heats for terriers, big dogs, spaniels and others, target golf, archery and horse racing, helped make North Yorkshire’s family fun day at Northallerton a huge success. This innovative fun day provided activities for all the family and was deemed “hugely enjoyable” by main sponsors George F. White.

The competitive spaniel race at the North Yorkshire fun day.

Support us at our forthcoming events.

See page 46 for a full listing of all our county group events

CHARLES, EARL SPENCER is guest of honour at the GCUSA’s dinner reception in support of the GWCT on Tuesday 22 October at Sotheby’s, 1334 York Avenue, New York at 6pm. Earl Spencer will regale guests about the history and renovation of Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencers for 19 generations.

The 27th annual charity auction will take place on Tuesday 19 November in New York City, with two special guests including keen supporter of the Trust, the Duke of Norfolk, and guest auctioneer, Edward Clive from Christie’s. The event is complimentary to GCUSA and GWCT members and their guests, but reservations are required. For more information please contact Robyn Hatch, rhatch@gcusa.org, or by phone (203) 661-5959.

Quiz tests Yorkshire KNOWLEDGE OF THE countryside will be tested at North Yorkshire’s entertaining biennial pub quiz on Thursday 7 November. Held at the awardwinning pub, the White Bear, Masham, there will also be a short auction including some interesting McNabs. To book please contact Sophie Dingwall on 07925 597676.

Woodcock in Paradise WOODCOCK EXPERT, ANDREW Hoodless will tell the story of this fascinating migratory bird, while guests mingle among the magnificent sets of the BBC’s period drama, ‘The Paradise’, at Lambton Castle, County Durham on Tuesday 15 October. A bangers and mash supper will be served in the look-alike 1870s department store.

Tickets are £40 each and to book, please contact Jennie Stafford on 01833 628443.

Diamond Ball at Willerby THE DIAMOND BANG Bang Ball promises to be a fun affair at the new venue of Willerby Manor Hotel, near Hull, on 1 February 2014. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, a three-course dinner and dancing to the popular band, Pink Cadillac. Tickets cost £47.50 and accommodation is available. For further information please contact Amelia Dales bangbangball@gmail.com Join in the fun at the Diamond Bang Bang Ball.

Join us at our annual ball at the Savoy in November.

Sporting globetrotter, Christopher Ussher.

Dazzling 34th Savoy Ball

Global sporting tales

P

repare for a dazzling evening of champagne, dinner and entertainment, from a vodka luge to a laser shoot, at the 34th annual ball at the exquisite Savoy on Wednesday 6 November. After the roaring success of last year, Caspar Hobbs has taken up the reins and his committee are putting on an evening of dancing, delicious cocktails from the gin maestros ‘Sipsmith’ and the chance to bid on some money-can’t-buy lots. With Lord Dalmeny kindly in charge of the auction, we hope to raise over £125,000. Please contact Lucy Pearson on 0207 290 0110.

C

hristopher Ussher; land agent, soldier, traveller, miniature wire-haired dachshund owner and big game hunter will entertain the Northumberland and Durham committee on the 28 November, with tales of his sporting exploits. To set the scene, the evening will be held at the wonderful Chillingham Castle, seat of Sir Humphrey Wakefield. Tales of wolves, bears, lions and buffalo will be enjoyed with a fantastic dinner cooked by chef, Richard Sim. For further information please contact Sophie Dingwall on 07925 597676.

Le Gavroche masterclass

J

oin Michel Roux Jr. at the infamous Le Gavroche for an exceptional dinner and sporting auction on Tuesday 4 March.

With stunning canapés and carefully selected champagne to start, your host will treat you to a mouth-wateringly delicious game menu. A short sporting auction full of sought-after lots, thanks to the generosity

of all the donors, will complete this memorable night. To book please contact Lucy Pearson on 0207 290 0110.

Culinary display Insight in Wales

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enowned chef and food writer Tim Maddens, former head chef at River Cottage, will be demonstrating his Tim Maddens will whip culinary skills at a game up delectable delights. cookery demonstration on 19 October at Elmdonbury, Elmdon, by kind permission of Robert Smith. Using produce from his host’s farm, Tim will whip up delectable delights to get your taste buds tingling. Please contact Richard Pemberton on 07747 636564.

S

imon Hart MP is the host at a special woodcock evening at Abercothi on 15 November, by kind permission of Sir Edward Dashwood. Woodcock expert, Andrew Hoodless, will provide an insight in to the latest woodcock work in south-west Wales, and proceeds will help to purchase further satellite tags. Please Woodcock expert contact Max Kendry Andrew Hoodless. on 01789 840348.

GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 45

© Fieldsports

GCUSA

© Emma Myrtle

In brief

FORTHCOMING EVENTS |

© Fieldsports Magazine

| DIARY

4 26 Diary

15 SOUTH-WEST WALES woodcock evening, Abercothi,

Max Kendry 01789 840348.

16 HERTS & ESSEX sporting ball,

October to March

grey partridge group meeting at 2pm, Cranborne Estate, nr Wimborne, Lynda Ferguson 01425 651013.

4 HEREFORDSHIRE drinks party,

24 SOUTH-EAST Scotland drinks party, Oxenfoord Castle, John Williams 01875 835679/07768 327107.

24 CUMBRIA & N Lancashire grey

partridge group meeting, Red Hall, 01425 651013.

25 HAMPSHIRE ‘Call my bluff’ wine

and auction, Rodmarton Manor,

tasting, Itchen Abbas & Avington

Simon Hanbury 07720 296717.

Village Hall, Ichen Abbas, nr

Lynda Ferguson 01425 651013.

10 SUSSEX South-East grey partridge

Winchester, Henry Mountain 07841 977066.

November

group meeting, Wiston Estate,

Lynda Ferguson 01425 651013.

11 CORNWALL annual dinner,

Park Hotel, Woodbury, nr Exeter, Rachel Causley 07557 028245.

Sheila Tidball 01872 501310.

6 LONDON annual ball, The Savoy,

Blackiston cookery demonstration, venue tbc, Jennifer Thomas

01844 343477/07980 003252.

12 BEDFORDSHIRE winter picnic and

Lucy Pearson 0207 290 0110.

7 NORTH YORKSHIRE pub quiz, The White Bear, Masham,

D’Arcy Wyvill 07957 421097.

7 WARWICKSHIRE game and beer

auction, Wixams Village Hall,

evening, Hook Norton Brewery,

Julia Barnes 01234 768767.

Hook Norton, Serena Williams

15 NORTHUMBERLAND & Co Durham woodcock talk,

07961 796489.

7 HAMPSHIRE grey partridge re-introd-

Lambton Castle, Co Durham,

uction course, GWCT, Fordingbridge,

Jennie Stafford 01833 628443.

Lynda Ferguson 01425 651013.

15 DEVON brown hare workshop,

7 TAYSIDE auction and supper,

Clinton Devon Estate, Budleigh

Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth,

Salterton, Lynda Ferguson

George Fleming 01828 632643.

01425 651013.

17 HERTFORDSHIRE wine tasting

and cookery demonstration, Copt

G AMEKEEPERS WELFARE TRUST

20 LEICESTERSHIRE & Rutland dinner, Belvoir Castle, Tommy Cooper 07836 598202.

21 CHESHIRE game curry evening,

Being there for gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies.

Bengal Tiger Lily, Congleton Road,

Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Mike Kenyon mike@kenyon-mather.com

22 BRISTOL annual dinner, Clifton Club, Clifton, Bristol, Jerry Barnes

Jerry.barnes@smith.williamson.co.uk.

28 NORTHUMBERLAND talk, dinner and auction, Chillingham Castle, Alnwick, Sophie Dingwall 07925 597676.

29 DORSET annual dinner, Athelhampton House,

Martyn Hobrough 01747 854494.

1 DEVON annual dinner, Woodbury

The Hotel Bristol, Newquay,

11 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Galton

information evening with Alastair Lottie Meeson 07976 207113.

James Spreckley 01432 761777.

The Allerton Project, Loddington,

01246 590066.

Leake and Jim Egan, venue tbc,

nr Wigton, Lynda Ferguson

8 LEICESTERSHIRE brown hare course,

Tissington Hall, Jonathan Wildgoose

07825 647403/01245 293247.

Elmdonbury, Elmdon,

Bromesberrow Place, nr Ledbury,

4 GLOUCESTERSHIRE drinks party

George Butler 07850 295253.

7 DERBYSHIRE wine tasting,

Parklands, Quendon, Belinda Young

demonstration with Tim Maddens,

Richard Pemberton 07748 636564.

3 DORSET Wessex and South-West

Haywards Heath, West Sussex,

19 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GWCT

19 CAMBRIDGESHIRE cookery

October

6 SUSSEX shoot evening, Clair Hall,

8 GLASGOW dinner, venue tbc,

Sally Hamilton 07764 603946.

14 NORTH WALES venison butchery

Hall Farm, Luton, Hugo Richardson

demonstration dinner, Furnace Farm,

07800 587660.

Bodnant, Rupert Bevan 01492 530734.

Dates are correct at time of going to press. We advise checking with the organiser before attending any of the events listed.

46 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

December 6 NORTH YORKSHIRE ‘Come dine

with the GWCT’, various locations, D’Arcy Wyvill 07957 421097.

2014 February

2 EAST YORKSHIRE Diamond Bang

Bang Ball, Willerby Manor Hotel, Hull,

Amelia Dales bangbangball@gmail.com

7 DERBYSHIRE annual dinner,

Contact us for information and assistance on issues such as health, finance, housing, employment, retirement, redundancy and legal issues.

Hassop Hall, Jonathan Wildgoose 01246 590066.

28 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE dinner, venue

All enquiries are fully confidential and are treated with sensitivity.

tbc, Lottie Meeson 07976 207113.

March

4 LONDON dinner and sporting

auction, Le Gavroche, Lucy Pearson 0207 290 0110.

Contact Helen Benson, Gamekeeper Welfare Trust, on 01677 470180 or email gamekeeperwtrust@ btinternet.com

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Traditional and durable This fully waterproof shooting coat (with a proprietary inner liner) is exclusively available at William Powell. Available in three different tweeds – Moray, Jura and Skye (pictured), all are competitively priced at just £390.

Matching breeks and plus fours are also available with breeks priced at £95 and plus fours at £105. Other items in this exclusive tweed range include caps (£40), shooting vests (£175), ‘Action Back’ sporting jacket (£240), waistcoats (£75), sports jacket (£225) and tweed trousers (£85).

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• 01772 811215 • www.longthorneguns.com

For more gift ideas look online at www.gwctshop.org.uk GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 47

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48 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 | 49

| TAIL END

Woodpigeon bruschetta © Laurie Campbell

In this regular column, Mike Short shares his passion for food and foraging in the countryside

B

ehind my home nestles a small copse surrounded by arable land. The copse is a magnet for woodpigeons and during the autumn and winter months they stream in to gorge on beech mast and ivy berries; or to rest peacefully between bouts of feeding to digest seed and leafy crops plucked from the surrounding farmland.

A few winters ago I shot a pigeon in the wood and was amazed at the amount of oilseed rape crammed in its crop, which seemed ready to burst. Curious as to how much leaf matter the greedy-grey had consumed, I slit open its crop and shook out a whopping 45 grammes of neatly torn rape leaves. No wonder the farm manager urges me to shoot pigeons whenever I can, which is rather fortunate, given my unstinting enthusiasm for the delectable almost liverlike flavour of their claret coloured breasts.

It baffles me that a bird as delicious as the ubiquitous woodpigeon – scourge to farmers, scallywags to vegetable gardeners, yet savoured by chefs – remains undervalued in most country kitchens, and in trying to understand why, the old adage ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ springs to mind. Some town folk I know dismiss woodpigeon as a potential meal, having let mental images of dirty tube station-living feral pigeons smite their appetites. My London-living mother-inlaw fell into that camp, until she was wowed by the succulent breast meat of a wild woodie ‘harvested’ from our copse. I do love converting the uninitiated.

I get very excited about this dish, which sits in my top-10 list of ‘desert island dishes’.

It’s basically a jazzed up pigeon on toast affair.

Truly wild meat, simply cooked and coated in a sweet, sage-infused sauce, served on crunchy, garlic-rubbed sourdough toast, with the aromatic flavour of truffles. It’s simple to make and utterly delicious. What’s more, arable farmers will probably thank you for trying it.

Succulent woodpigeon breasts, simply cooked and coated in a sweet, sage-infused sauce, on garlicky sourdough toast.

Ingredients Serves 1 (or 2 as a starter): Skinned breasts and liver from a woodpigeon 2 slices of sourdough bread 1 clove of peeled garlic 1 tsp butter 1 tsp olive oil Fresh sage leaves 3 tbsp Marsala wine 2 tsp full fat crème fraîche Truffle oil Black pepper and sea salt

Method 1. Toast the bread on both sides until browned.

Place on a small serving plate and keep warm.

2. Cut the pigeon breasts into 5mm wide strips along their length and then crossways in half.

Dice the liver.

3. On a medium to high heat, melt the butter in a frying pan with the olive oil. When sizzling hot, add the breast meat, season well and stirfry for two minutes. Remove the meat from

the pan. It should be pink inside.

4. Add a heaped teaspoon of finely chopped sage leaves and the liver to the pan. Use a fork to mash the liver into a rough paste. When the liver starts to brown, add the Marsala and deglaze the pan by scraping the liver around.

Let the wine mixture bubble and reduce for a minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème fraîche.

5. Add the pigeon breast along with any juices to the pan and mix. Warm if necessary.

6. Cut the clove of garlic in half and rub the cut surface over the upper side of the sourdough toast. Drizzle truffle oil over each slice too. Spoon the pigeon mixture over the toast and garnish with a few whole sage leaves that have been flash-fried in hot butter.

Tuck in and enjoy.

Mike Short is a senior field

ecologist specialising in mammal research. He is passionate about harvesting wild food, and here shares his enthusiasm for tasty ingredients found in the great British countryside.

Gamewise is published three times a year and is sent to members of the Trust free of charge. The appearance of an advertisement in this or any other Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust publication does not imply the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s approval of the product or service in question. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 05579632, registered charity number 1112023. Registered Office: Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF Tel: +44(0)1425 652381. Email: info@gwct.org.uk Web: www.gwct.org.uk Game & Wildlife Conservation Trading Ltd is a company limited by guarantee (registered no 1503620, VAT Reg No 323 7013 94) which carries out trading and advisory activities and some fundraising events for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF. Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust © 2013 MPUBGCT-GmWs10/13. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permissi on from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

50 | GAMEWISE AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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