Blogs

At the end of July, GWSDF Auchnerran hosted a meeting with a group of wildlife managers to discuss the LIFE Laser Fence project and its applicability to a variety of situations. The Laser Fence project is a partnership between several European organisations, led by Liverpool John Moores University, and is investigating the general question: can laser technology be used to scare mammals away from designated areas?

Author Brian P. Martin is writing a third edition of his book “The Great Shoots – Britain’s Best Past and Present”, published by Quiller, and would be grateful for a little help.

GWCT staff enjoyed a very successful stint at the annual celebration of all things rural at this year’s BBC Countryfile Live last week (3rd – 6th August).

Peter Thompson looks at the launch of a new super Cluster after the success of the Farmer Clusters, where working together, farmers can deliver more for wildlife on a much bigger scale.

As Chris Packham climbed up on the Ifor Williams flatbed trailer the sky dramatically darkened. The stage, at the RSPB’s Rainham Marsh reserve in Kent, was set for another fire and brimstone Hen Harrier day ‘address’.

Our letter to The Yorkshire Post in response to Chris Packham's call for grouse shooting to end on Ilkley Moor.

Branded as the festival of the great British countryside, the 59th Game Fair didn’t disappoint. Held in the stunning grounds of Hatfield House for the first time in its history, more than 116,000 people flocked through the gates and enjoyed the three-day show.

Over the last decade the research on pollinators, especially wild and honey bees has gone exponential, fuelled even more recently by the neonicotinoid issue. Similarly, there has been a huge push through agri-environment schemes, government initiatives and industry to promote the establishment of flower-rich habitats.

Last year, a group of scientists from the RSPB published a “viewpoint” paper highlighting their concerns over the possible environmental impacts of driven grouse shooting. However, in shaping their argument, they neglected to include key pieces of scientific evidence that happen not to support their views.

Held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) will be returning to BBC Countryfile Live from Thursday, August 3 to Sunday, August 6.