JULY - Jul 24, 2023
We are in the third week of July already and how it has changed from a droughty period and taking water to birds and even ourselves in some cases to a relentless period of rain which has halted harvest and caused some anxiety for poults and late wild broods of ground nesting birds wherever they are. Upland areas have been worryingly dry and those keepers/stalkers who have been involved in fighting wild fires will heave a sigh of relief. River keepers will be relieved also with reports of fish caught and interest revived.
There has been a long list of consultations and we are waiting for some important wildlife bills in all parts of the UK whilst dealing with the aftermath of DEFRA’s decision to implement GL43, Welsh government intransigence and so on.
Meanwhile the real work goes on, making sure the environments which gamekeepers and wildlife managers (deer and river too) are the best they can be within the restrictions weather and regulatory requirements cause and demand and with shooting seasons fast approaching and, in some instances, already underway – i.e. Red Stags in Scotland.
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust also treads a narrow path in attempting to create simple and straight forward ways for keepers and their families to seek support, in total confidence and trusting that conversations and information is dealt with promptly and sensitivity whilst adhering to Charitable Commission rules. This means that information is kept to GDPR regulatory requirements.
We value our close association with other organisations with which we work through our “Raising the Game” initiatives and day to day with BASC, NGO, SGA in particular. Our “Check in with a Mate” has met with great support and success – there is no better pick me up than a friend who checks in to see how we are and very often knowing before we know that that’s just what we need from time to time.
Thank you to everyone who helps us to help others; there have been some fantastic fundraisers and we appreciate not only every penny raised on our behalf but the publicity and assistance we receive in attempting to ensure that everyone knows who we are and how to reach us.
Really looking forward to seeing many of you at the Game Fair, at Moy Country Fair and Welsh Game Fair with other events in and amongst.