Our Advisors run a series of courses throughout the year on a wide range of topics, including game management, biodiversity and conservation. Successful candidates receive a GWCT certificate, which will allow those wanting to set certain wildlife traps to apply for a licence from NatureScot; training on corvid control & spring (tunnel) trapping will soon become mandatory following the passing of The Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
Once the licence is granted, trap operators will receive a unique registration number that must be attached to each corvid or spring trap when set. Course certificates also provide an important paper trail that helps demonstrate due diligence and responsibility as required under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.
Our most popular courses are listed below:
Snaring
Although Scottish Government has confirmed their intention to ban snaring, probably by the end of 2024, the use of snares and humane cable restraints currently remain a legitimate and important tool in the game and wildlife management toolbox. Our Scottish Government approved fox and rabbit snaring course provides candidates with the necessary certificate to obtain their unique ID number, which must by law be attached to all snares set in Scotland. Fundamental to the course is the emphasis placed on welfare, in addition to best practice, species conservation and legal updates.
Corvid Trapping
Corvid control is a vital tool for countryside managers. When done well, it can be hugely beneficial to the conservation of our game and wildlife. This newly revised half-day course will soon become mandatory following the passing of The Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. It has been prepared to an agreed standard by a Working Group (including GWCT) led by NatureScot to ensure those practicing corvid control in Scotland can do so with the confidence that they are operating within the law whilst demonstrating due diligence and welfare considerations. Please see detail on this new course which currently awaits final approval from Scottish Government & Nature.Scot.
Spring (tunnel) Trapping
With significant changes to spring (tunnel) trapping legislation soon to be enforced through The Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, this new course has been prepared to an agreed standard by a Working Group (including GWCT) led by NatureScot to enable trappers to become qualified to set certain traps under licence and apply for a unique registration number which must be attached to each trap when set. Once ratified by Scottish Government & NatureScot, this course will deliver comprehensive detail on the latest legislation and humane control issues. The half-day session will address the legal aspects of the various trapping methods for stoat, weasel and rodent control employed by keepers and wildlife managers as well as the equipment required and best practice advice.
Grouse Health & Disease
This training opportunity addresses the increasing need for grouse moors to assemble documented evidence to demonstrate best practice. The half-day course will focus on the latest management techniques for the control of strongyle worm burdens and tick in red grouse. A must for those requiring medicated grit prescriptions!