A significant change is on the horizon that will affect all gamekeepers and land managers involved in wildlife management. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 is a crucial step in ensuring the ethical and effective management of game and wildlife in Scotland. By enrolling in a Scottish Government/NatureScot-approved training course, you’re not just complying with the law—you’re also contributing to the preservation of Scotland’s rich biodiversity.
With the introduction of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, it will become mandatory to book onto an approved training course if you plan to use certain traps. The two new courses, Corvid Trapping and Spring (Tunnel) Trapping are currently going through their approval stages and should soon be formally endorsed by Scottish Government and NatureScot. Practitioners’ interests have been well-represented by GWCT Scotland. We sit on a Working Group, led by NatureScot, whose remit has been to prepare the relevant training courses to an agreed standard.
When this mandatory training is enforced (first half of 2025 likely), trap operators in both the uplands and on the low ground must become formally trained by an accredited training body such as GWCT, regardless of whether you have been recently trained (prior to the new Act) or not.
Get ahead of the game and ensure you comply with the new legislation by enrolling in a Scottish Government/NatureScot-approved training course offered by GWCT Advisory Services.
Why training is essential
Once enforced, the new law will make it illegal to use certain traps to kill or take a wild bird or mammal without a licence. To obtain this licence, you must complete approved training courses. These two new courses are designed to help you understand and adhere to current legislation and best practices in game and wildlife management. Attending these mandatory half-day training sessions will give you the necessary certificates to obtain your unique licence number, which must be fitted to your spring and corvid traps while in use.
Course details and dates
This autumn, GWCT Advisory Services will be running a series of courses across Scotland. Here are the details for the upcoming sessions:
Corvid Trapping Courses (9.30am-1pm each day)
- Glenogil, Angus Glens: 16th or 17th October
- Cardney, Perthshire: 30th or 31st October
- Carfraemill, Scottish Borders: 6th or 7th November
- Strathnairn, Inverness-shire: 12th or 13th November
- Durisdeer, Dumfries & Galloway: 5th or 6th February 2025
Spring (tunnel) Trapping Courses (1.30pm-5pm each day)
- Glenogil, Angus Glens: 16th or 17th October
- Cardney, Perthshire: 30th or 31st October
- Carfraemill, Scottish Borders: 6th or 7th November
- Strathnairn, Inverness-shire: 12th or 13th November
- Durisdeer, Dumfries & Galloway: 5th or 6th February 2025
These courses are meticulously crafted to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to effectively and legally manage wildlife on your land.
How to book your place
Secure your spot in one of these essential courses by contacting GWCT Advisory Services. Here’s how you can book: