Tackling challenges with informed evidence

GWCT research is tackling the current challenges the world of game management faces. The GWCT provides informed evidence and objectivity.

The Review reports on and showcases some of the research work undertaken by the Trust’s research department over the last 12 months.

The world of game management faces many challenges. Some of them are addressed in articles in this Review, highlighting some of the research undertaken to provide evidence (based on sound science) for policy makers and land managers making decisions about species management. Of course, all our long-term programmes of species monitoring provide accurate estimates of species numbers and long-term changes in their abundance. These include grey partridge, red grouse, black grouse, capercaillie, salmon, insects on farmland and gamebag statistics and now also mountain hare, woodcock and some wader species.

Contentious issues addressed in this Review include burning heather on peatlands (see page 64), mountain hare abundance (see page 66), indices of released pheasant abundance and return rates (see page 56) and species recovery using techniques used by game managers (see page 48-51).

Debates regarding such issues are often plagued by a lack of informed evidence and objectivity. GWCT provides this evidence in spades as demonstrated by our list of papers published in the science journals during 2018 (see page 80).

Disseminating research into advice A key aim of the Advisory Service is to disseminate the findings of GWCT research to a wide audience. In 2018 we helped the British Game Alliance (BGA) develop its standards to provide assurance to guns, game retailers and consumers that shoots are run well. Many of the BGA standards are based on the Code of Good Shooting Practice which relies heavily on the findings of GWCT research. We are frequently asked to provide technical advice for land managers and conservation agencies on issues relating to sustainable gamebird management. Having access to peer-reviewed GWCT science in this area, alongside our practical experience, means we are well placed to offer informed and independent advice.

Our involvement with Farmer Clusters – landscape-scale conservation – goes from strength to strength. In 2018 we held the second national Farmer Cluster conference in Birmingham and launched a website www.farmerclusters.com which is a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in Farmer Clusters. Our Martin Down cluster received national recognition from Defra in the form of visits from senior staff and through funding, as it was included as a Defra Nature Recovery Network Pilot study – one of only five in the country. Another significant achievement in our landscapescale projects was the completion of our biodiversity audit across the entire Duchy of Lancaster rural land holdings.

Wader monitoring at the Game & Wildlife Scottish Demonstration Farm, Auchnerran. © Marlies Nicolai/GWCT

by Nick Sotherton, Director of Research and Roger Draycott, Head of Advisory

Jess Brooks our farmland biodiversity advisor has been key to helping with the Farmer Cluster at Martin Down, which has received national recognition for its achievements. © Peter Thompson/GWCT