Podcasts about gwct

Teresa Dent CBE led the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust as chief executive for 22 years. In the spring of 2025, she retires. In July 2024, she came to the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre to talk about the trust's work, and the difficulty of producing science that politicians can use. For more ways to listen to this podcast, go to FieldsportsChannel.tv/fieldsportschannelpodcast113 Find the GWCT at GWCT.org uk

In this episode we speak to Roger Draycott, Director of Advisory, Education & Gamebird Policy at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust about the positive impact that well managed shoots have on the environment and how the research carried out by the GWCT proves this.

What has the Westminster government got in store for gamebirds and shooting? The news from the GWCT is good – but their top staff warn us not to be complacent. Sir Jim Paice and Roger Draycott from the GWCT talk to Charlie Jacoby at the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre 2024    Click here for more ways to listen to this.

Your hosts Andrew Jones & Neil Greggor, based in the South West of England, are this time joined by Teresa Dent, Chief Executive GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) & board member EFG (Environmental Farmers Group) , and Peter Shallcross, a local farmer member EFG & Chairman Nadder Valley Cluster.Like usual we start with a little bit about the about the background of our speakers, with Teresa a farm consultant for many years before joining the then GCT, which evolved into GWCT, and Peter being a dairy farmer in the local area.We then move on to discuss how EFG was conceived, what its goals & aims are, and how it has expanded incredibility quickly, all driven by its farmer members/owners.We discuss the impact its had on Peter's farm, and what its meant for him practically. First having the support and back up for him to engage with outside stakeholders, in a way he never would have before, and then what the actual detail is on farm, and for Peter this has been the desire to reintroduce a tree almost lost from the British countryside 50 years ago.This was recorded in October 2023 and all information was correct at the time of recording.Send us a Text Message.For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast or X/Twitter @chewinthecudpod. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can also email us at podcast@chewinthecud.com

Protecting, valuing and restoring natural capital at the landscape scale requires a joined-up effort and collaboration amongst different landowners and groups. In this episode we are joined by Ross MacLeod from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust to talk about landscape scale and collaborative farming initiatives. We discuss the importance of collaboration, GWCTs ‘Farm Clusters' approach; what they are and why they have set them up, and their involvement in NatureScot's Natural Capital Pilot. Natural Capital is central to wildlife management and conservation in Scotland and we discuss the importance of evidence-based best practice, nature-friendly land management and biodiversity net gain. Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond. Timestamps The importance of Natural Capital for GWCT: 2:24 – 5:04 Farm clusters and landscape scale solutions: 5:04 – 8:45 How can a farmer set up a farm cluster?: 10:53 - 11:50 Public and private funding and finance: 12:32 - 16:11 Natural Capital assessments, tools and actions: 16:20 – 23:15 Related FAS ResourcesBoosting Biodiversity to Build Business | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related ResourcesFarmer Clusters - For farmers, facilitators and advisorsScottish Demonstration Farm - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)The Allerton Project | Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (allertontrust.org.uk)Sussex Study - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)Natural Capital AdvisoryNatural Capital Assessment Tool - A Whole Farm Approach | NatureScot

Protecting, valuing and restoring natural capital at the landscape scale requires a joined-up effort and collaboration amongst different landowners and groups. In this episode we are joined by Ross MacLeod from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust to talk about landscape scale and collaborative farming initiatives. We discuss the importance of collaboration, GWCTs ‘Farm Clusters' approach; what they are and why they have set them up, and their involvement in NatureScot's Natural Capital Pilot. Natural Capital is central to wildlife management and conservation in Scotland and we discuss the importance of evidence-based best practice, nature-friendly land management and biodiversity net gain. Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond. Timestamps The importance of Natural Capital for GWCT: 2:24 – 5:04 Farm clusters and landscape scale solutions: 5:04 – 8:45 How can a farmer set up a farm cluster?: 10:53 - 11:50 Public and private funding and finance: 12:32 - 16:11 Natural Capital assessments, tools and actions: 16:20 – 23:15 Related FAS ResourcesBoosting Biodiversity to Build Business | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related ResourcesFarmer Clusters - For farmers, facilitators and advisorsScottish Demonstration Farm - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)The Allerton Project | Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (allertontrust.org.uk)Sussex Study - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)Natural Capital AdvisoryNatural Capital Assessment Tool - A Whole Farm Approach | NatureScot

It's Shooting Times editor Patrick Galbraith versus sporting agent Mark Osborne in this one-hour debate at the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre 2023. The GWCT's Roger Draycott provides the voice of reason and host Charlie Jacoby tries to stop them from fighting about the topic on stage.  

From 30 June – 2 July Waverton will be exhibiting at The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair. This is a celebration of the countryside, conservation and the great outdoors and we are thrilled to have Ross Macleod, Head of Policy in Scotland at GWCT and Paris Jordan, Senior Multi-Asset Analyst at Waverton, join us to talk about responsible stewardship and sustainability. Ross explains GWCT operations, conservation and the promotion of biodiversity and we discuss how to value, measure and manage natural capital. For further information please visit www.waverton.co.uk or www.scottishfair.com or www.gwct.org.uk. LinkedIn:Doug Barnett – https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-barnett-a475b820/ Paris Jordan – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-jordan-cfa-58377691/ This podcast is issued by Waverton Investment Management Limited, 16 Babmaes Street, London, SW1Y 6AH. Registered in England No. 2042285. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The information provided in this podcast is for information purposes only and Waverton Investment Management Limited does not accept liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly out of use or reliance by the client, or anyone else, on the information contained in this recording. This podcast should be used as a guide only is based on our current views of markets and is subject to change. The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. Where Waverton's advice is given it is restricted to discretionary investment management services. We do not provide advice on the use of tax or financial planning products (even if the service which we are managing is held within such a product) or non-discretionary investment. All materials have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jodie Case is an owl nut. Representing the Owl Box Initiative, she brings an owl box to the stage of the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre. She explains how to make the ideal owl box, to attract owls to your garden, plus talks about her work researching owls.  For more, go to @OwlBoxInit and @JCaseNature Find out about the OBI on the GWCT website

Let's talk lead shot. On stage, at the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre 2021, is Alex Levett-Scrivenor from non-toxic shot company Bioammo, foxshooter and old lead purist Robert Bucknall, and Andrew Gilruth from the GWCT. Host is Charlie Jacoby. The four of them run through the lead shot issues, ask why it has to go, and how much could the shooting organisations have handled the phase-out better? Read this story in full via our news pages: Fcha.nl/fieldsportschannelpodcast57

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Scottish Land & Estates' Digital Communications Officer Calum Henderson speaks with Ross Macleod of The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) about the Trust's demonstration farm at Auchnerran. Expanding upon 'Focus on the future of farming,' an article in the Autumn 2021 edition of LandBusiness Magazine (available online now), this episode covers a number of bases, from the purpose of the farm, and how it came to be, to the local wildlife in the area. The episode also covers questions around carbon audits and natural capital assessments, providing an introduction to those who may not be familiar with the terms or what these entail in a practical sense.  This episode was recorded on 26 August 2021. Find out more about GWCT on their website - www.gwct.org.uk ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

The UK's birds of prey regularly fall victim to criminal behaviour, with dozens found poisoned, trapped and shot every single year. There are 15 raptor species native to the UK, with varying conservation statuses. Some of them are severely threatened, so every lost bird becomes a threat to the survival of the species. That means raptor persecution is a big problem. Killing protected birds is a crime, but it goes on across the entirety of the UK. In this episode of Wild Crimes, we're finding out why are people risking jail time to kill raptors. How can we protect our birds of prey? And why is this issue so divisive? Find out with Museum curator Dr Joanne Cooper, RSPB Investigations Liaison Officer Jenny Shelton, Dr Roger Draycott of the GWCT, landowner Dee Ward, author Alan Stewart, and criminology graduate Ellen Burnside.

I sit down with Merlin Becker, who previously worked for the GWCT at their model research farm in Scotland. We discuss methods of sustainable land management tackling a wide spectrum of topics: from the Otterburn research project to the use of fire for ecological sustainability; we delve into the crossover between traditional knowledge and science and talk through the new hare counting methodology, curlew conservation and raven control. More information on papers mentioned in this show can be found at: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/intothewildernesspodcast Podcast partner: www.modernhuntsman.com Patreon support: www.patreon.com/pacebrothers

GWCT on Woodcock - Podcast #5 by The Gun Shop

Worldwide we see government decisions impacting on wildlife and habitat management in negative way, often driven by personal agendas and moral exceptions. We saw this with Tahr in New Zealand, and British Columbia with Grizzly Bears, both topics we have covered in in previous shows. Now we see it in Wales, with shooting leases being taken back on public land, effectively ceasing all shooting/hunting activity. We hear here from Sue Evans, Director of the GWCT in Wales, to understand the history and reasons behind the recent decision. Importantly, we ask what the government is doing to replace the proven benefits of shooting in these areas.   podcast@paceproductionsuk.com www.thepacebrothers.com

Links mentioned in this episode: GWCT website GWCT blog Buy The Knowledge book The post Andrew Gilruth of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – Lowland Management, Predator Control, Scientific Conservation appeared first on The Yorkshire Gent.

Woodcock arouse a stirring emotion, probably more than any other on the game species list in the UK. So what is the reality of the population and what do we know? We as hunters have a responsibility to educate ourselves on the wild species we hunt to ensure an understanding of our impact. To not do so is both ignorant and shows a lack of concern for ethical sustainable hunting. This podcast will enlighten you as to what we know at this point in time.   Email the show podcast@paceproudctionsuk.com www.thepacebrothers.com

Scottish Mountain Hare  www.hareoftherabbit.com There is a special place high up in the Cairngorms where the mountain hares hide. Andy Howard knows it well, as only a person can who has spent up to five hours at a time lying in snow waiting for a moment such as this. It is winter in Scotland, some 2500 miles from the Arctic, and a cold like no other is sinking into his bones. He dare not move, not even one inch, or he risks startling the animal barely a few feet from him. She's fast, he's seen her run before. If she wants to, she can take off like a silver bullet, leaping into the mountain mist like a salmon into a river. He takes a shallow breath - in-two-three and out-two-three. She moves. He freezes. Her paws pad softly over the rocks, graceful as ever in her silence. She sits herself down beside him, oblivious or deliberating ignoring the loud thumping of his heart, and delicately nibbles at the heather. She's beautiful, her pearl grey coat soft as down and the tips of her ears dark, as though dipped in coal dust. "I call her Mrs Grey," he says. "She's really quite special." Mrs Grey is his most recent subject and the images he is able to take of her are captivating. Andy often goes out in the middle of winter, Andy describes these moments as addictive as a drug - being close enough to wild animals like hares when they trust you enough to relax and behave as though you aren't there. "There is no fear, no worry, they're just carrying away on their own," he says. "That's a real privilege, for a wild animal to trust you that much." Andy is an award-winning wildlife photographer who has sat in more snow drifts and bogs than most. The wild creatures almost seem to deliberately pose for him and he has become adept at capturing their fleeting expressions and personalities, as he has with other wildlife. His ethos is always stay quiet and don't interfere. "You cannot harm them or disturb them," he says. "You must respect them and know when to leave them in peace." "I've been photographing her since September and I want to head up there and photograph her every month so I can get a full cycle," he says. Andy is trying to capture a full year in the life of his own Mrs Grey. Many professionals wait for weather windows and can plan shots years, even decades, in advance. "Sometimes, you have to wait a full year for the exact conditions to come again," explains Andy. Hares are herbivorous mammals closely related to rabbits. Two species are found in Scotland - the brown hare and the mountain hare. Mountain hares are smaller than brown hares and have shorter ears. They molt their grey coat in early winter, turning white to blend in with the snow on the uplands. They are very timid and mainly nocturnal, although they can be active during the day if undisturbed by humans. If danger is near, they crouch motionless with their ears down and at the last minute, can dart uphill at high speed. After about 50m, they stop to stand up on their hind legs and look back at what startled them. They are mainly solitary animals, especially when resting, but often graze in groups, feeding along well-trampled trails through long vegetation. On this episode we are going to explore the Scottish Mountain Hare. The mountain hare has grey/brown fur often with a slightly blueish tinge in summer and a white tail. In winter it molts to a white coat, although some animals do not become completely white. The mountain hare also has black tips to its ears. In Britain, hares are animals of open ground, relying on their good eyesight, camouflage and high speed to avoid predators. Only the mountain hare is native and is the only truly arctic mammal. Mountain hares are most likely to be seen on heather moorland that is actively managed for red grouse. The mountain hare often uses patches of woodland including conifer plantations, on the margins heather moorland. Sometimes called the 'blue' hare because of the tinge of its fur in spring and autumn, you can see mountain hares on the middle and upper levels of heathery hills and some other places besides. A mountain hare in its winter coat has a mix of white, blue-grey and black (on the ears) fur. The summer coat is much greyer, but still paler than the brown hare of lowland farmland. Be alert for the outline of large ears above heather, or for hares in winter whites that show-up against snow-free areas on hillsides. A mountain hare’s broad feet act like snowshoes (it’s North American cousins are called 'snowshoe hares'), spreading the animal’s weight over snow. Mountain hares thrive on healthy young heather, so can be abundant on the middle slopes of hills managed as grouse moors. There are mountain hares in some unusual places, such as the boggy flatlands of Flanders Moss between Stirling and Aberfoyle. They can be quite easy to see on moorland in Shetland (where the local animals don’t turn white in winter). Strongholds are in grouse-moor areas such as the hills of Deeside in the Cairngorms. Travel the A939 road from Cock Bridge to Tomintoul (traditionally, one of the first to get blocked by snow) to journey across mountain-hare-rich moors. Mountain hare bones between 114,000 and 131,000 years old have been found in the Joint Mitnor cave in Devon and in the Thames Valley. Today, the mountain hare is confined to Scotland where it is indigenous and the Isle of Man and the Peak District of Derbyshire where it was re-introduced. Mountain hares were also introduced to the Snowdonia district of Wales, but died out. Mountain hares are smaller and have a more compact shape than brown hares, but vary geographically depending upon habitat and altitude. In Britain they are only found above 500m. However, eventual weakening of the Gulf Stream could make Britain colder and increase habitat for mountain hares. Mountain hares have a very wide, virtually circumpolar distribution extending throughout the tundra regions of eastern and northern Europe, with the closely related Arctic hare (Lepus articus) in Canada and Alaska. In the Old World their habitat extends southward throughout the boreal zone to the fringes of agricultural land or open grassland. In North America the Arctic hare is restricted by the boreal forest, which is inhabited by the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). This world-wide pattern of restriction by both habitat and other species of hare explains the distribution of the mountain hare within Britain. After the introduction of the brown hare to England in Roman times, mountain hares became restricted to upland regions where they were able to hold their own, feeding on heather and other moorland plants, while the brown hares fed on lowland grasses and agricultural crops. By the early 19th century mountain hares were found only in the Scottish Highlands. Towards the middle and end of the 19th century - accompanying the development of grouse shooting and the management of heather for grouse - some landowners released mountain hares across the remaining British uplands. Many of these re-introduced populations have died out, leaving the large core population in the Scottish Highlands, a well established population in the Southern Uplands and a small one in the Peak District, while that in northern Wales has probably died out in the last two decades. Mountain Hares live in Scotland and the North. They graze on vegetation and nibble bark from young trees and bushes. Hares shelter in a 'form', which is simply a shallow depression in the ground or heather, but when disturbed, can be seen bounding across the moors using their powerful hind legs to propel them forwards, often in a zigzag pattern. Mountain Hares live in upland areas and are most common on heathland; they are at their most visible in spring, when the snow has melted but the Hares are still white. Total body length ranges between 430 and 610 mm. and the black tipped ears from 60 to 80 mm. Unlike brown hares the ears of mountain hares would not reach the tip of the nose if pulled forward. Like brown hares, males are slightly smaller than females. There are three moults and during the second from October to January the coat changes from russet brown to white or grey and back to brown from February to May. Both tail surfaces remain white. Mountain hares can become very conspicuous if still in their winter coats when the snow melts or if there is unseasonable snowfall. The current number of mountain hares in Scotland is unclear but the latest annual research published in 2013 by the BTO has indicated a disturbing decline of 43 per cent since 1995. Population densities are known to vary at least ten fold, reaching a peak approximately every ten years. The reasons for these fluctuations are unclear, but may possibly be related to parasite burdens. Mating begins at the end of January and pregnancy lasts about 50 days. Most leverets are born between March to August inclusive. Mountain hares are less fussy than brown hares regarding the quality of their forage and this is a major reason why mountain hares have the competitive edge at high altitudes. On Scottish moors they prefer short, young heather, but will resort to older woody plants if necessary. They will also feed on gorse, willow, birch, rowan and juniper. But in spite of their adaptable diet they prefer to eat grasses when available during the summer months. Reproduction Females typically have three litters per year between March and August. 1- 4 young (leverets) are born in each litter, fully furred and with their eyes open. The mother suckles them for about four weeks until they become independent. The most recent estimate suggests that there are approximately 350,000 hares across this range. As recent GWCT research shows, this is a relatively high density of hares compared to mountain hare populations anywhere else in Europe. As well as having affected the distribution of mountain hares through historical introductions, upland game management still affects their abundance as mountain hares seem to do best in areas managed for red grouse. Indeed it is probably the intensive fox control combined with rotational burning that benefits grouse and hares. However, where grouse suffer from tick and the tick-borne louping-ill virus, hares can sustain high levels of these parasites and help perpetuate the disease. As there is no alternative form of treatment, in these cases hare numbers may need to be temporarily reduced to suppress the disease. Mountain hare are also affected by a gut parasite, Trichostrongylosis retortaeformis, which causes similar cyclical effects on population numbers as strongyle worms in red grouse. On some grouse moors, hare shooting is a popular sport and provides additional income, supports keeper employment and moorland management. However, such sporting bags and other culls may be substantial and it is important to demonstrate that modern practices are sustainable and in line with good management. This should be a research and subsequently conservation objective as it is a requirement under the European Habitats Directive. There is increasing concern about the status of the mountain hare with reports of it being virtually extinct in some parts of Scotland where it was previously abundant. In some areas excessive grazing by deer, sheep and cattle have depleted the heather so that less food and cover is available for the hares. However, they have also declined on moorland devoid of deer and sheep, leading to the conclusion that human interference is responsible for the decline in hares. How are they protected? Both hare species are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This law makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take either hare species during their close seasons or to poach these species (and rabbit) at any time. Also, the mountain hare is a species of Community interest listed on Annex V the Habitats Directive . The taking of these animals and their exploitation may be subject to management measures to ensure their conservation status is favorable. The mountain hare is listed in Annex 5 of the EC Habitats Directive (1992) as a species: "of community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures." This means that certain methods of capture such as snaring are prohibited, except under license. Mountain hares have historically been considered as "small game" but shooting is becoming increasingly commercialized. In one case a refrigerated van had been brought over by a party of Italian guns who intended to shoot 1,000 mountain hares and sell them in Italy to pay for the shooting holiday. Local mountain hare population sizes can fluctuate widely. Both species of hare are quarry species and may be legally controlled. In the case of mountain hares, control usually takes place on managed grouse moors to reduce tick numbers, or to protect young trees, but the impact of culling on mountain hare populations is not well understood. Whilst reviewing the management of mountain hares we have agreed an interim position external site on this issue with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and Scottish Land & Estates. Research is also underway in partnership with GWCT and the James Hutton Institute to trial methods of assessing mountain hare numbers to provide population density estimates. With this knowledge we can then improve our understanding of the overall status of mountain hares and the sustainability of hare management measures. Offenses It is an offense to intentionally or recklessly: kill, injure or take a brown or mountain hare in its close season. kill, injure or take a brown or mountain hare without a legal right to do so. The close season for the mountain hare is 1st March to 31 July. It is also an offense to: possess or control, sell or offer for sale or transport for the purpose of sale any live or dead hare (or rabbit), or any derivative of such an animal, which has been killed without a legal right to do so. Licensing and hares Licenses are available to allow specified people to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offense. Licenses can only be issued for specific purposes that are set out in the legislation. If you are planning any activities that could affect hares, you should make sure that you stay within the law. While the mountain hare is persecuted directly for sport it is also snared and shot in large numbers because it allegedly carries a tick borne virus which kills grouse chicks and is therefore seen as a threat to the grouse shooting industry. The Habitats Directive requires member states to ensure exploitation of Annex 5 species is: "compatible with their being maintained at a favorable conservation status." Since there are no official records of the number of hares being killed it is difficult to see how this requirement can be met. But anecdotal evidence of culling levels strongly suggests that EC wildlife law is being broken in Scotland. Now with that, we have an article titled: Culling of Scotland's mountain hares should be banned, says charity Unregulated culling of Scotland’s mountain hares should be banned and the species protected, according to a report that says shooting the animals for sport is inhumane and uncontrolled. Landowners can shoot the hares without a license from August to February and claim culls are necessary to protect game, especially red grouse, from disease. Campaigners say death rates of hares, which are native to the Highlands and thrive on grouse moors, are not monitored. The charity OneKind, in a report published on Monday, said: “Population data is sparse but suggests mountain hares are in decline. Yet they are widely persecuted for sport and as part of organized culls.” At least 25 game estates were currently offering the opportunity to shoot mountain hares for sport, it said, with no guarantees this was not driving decline. It estimates about 40% of hares killed were for shot for sport, while about 50% died as part of organized culls. It was impossible to know how many were killed as mountain hare killing was secretive and carried out in remote locations, the charity said. One estimate was that 25,000 were killed in 2006-07 – a figure now 10 years old, OneKind said. The report highlights three culls that it claims took place on grouse moors, including two carried out last year on the Balmoral estate in Royal Deeside. The Scottish government has called for voluntary restraint on the issue. A spokesman said: “We have been very clear that we will not tolerate large-scale culls of mountain hares but we recognize that numbers need to be controlled in some specific circumstances.” It is setting up an independent review to examine the sustainability of grouse moor management, including hare-culling. Data on hare populations is widely disputed. The last estimate was made in 1995 when 350,000 mountain hares were thought to exist. OneKind states the population could be between 175,000 and 500,000 hares, fluctuating year-on-year, but said monitoring by the British Trust of Ornithology – albeit for a limited sample size – suggested an overall decline of 34% between 1996 and 2014. Harry Huyton, OneKind’s director, said: “Mountain hares are an iconic species in Scotland that should be protected. Our report shows that instead they are persecuted in enormous numbers for entertainment. The killing is unregulated, and there are no guarantees that it is not further driving the decline of these species or causing unacceptable suffering. “Today, the day before the open season begins, OneKind is calling on the Scottish government to take urgent action and introduce a moratorium on large-scale hunts and culls before the season gets into full swing.” Hares can be killed under license from Scottish National Heritage. But, in addition to organized culls there are driven and walked-up shooting of the hares offered as one of many “country sports” by Scottish estates, the charity said. Its research found 25 companies offering mountain hare hunting online, eight of which were promoted by the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group, which listed SNH and Visit Scotland as partner organizations. The report states: “For almost half the year, from March to July inclusive, mountain hares are protected and any persecution without a license from SNH is illegal. But, for the remainder of the year, they can be killed freely with no permissions and no transparency, and as such are persecuted on a large scale.” Driven hunts involved flushing hares towards a line of waiting guns. But hares were “notoriously challenging to shoot” as they were small and fast and the risk of causing injury rather than clean kills was heightened, it added. OneKind calls for a ban on hare killing, except under license, and complete protection within national parks. Now news from this past winter: UK's white mountain hares at risk from predators due to worst snowfall in 10 years http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/02/uks-white-mountain-hares-risk-predators-due-worst-snowfall-10/ Britain's mountain hares are at greater risk from predators because of a lack of snow caused by the mild winter, conservationists have warned. White mountain hares are being made an easy target as they have nowhere to hide in the Scottish Highlands after the worst snowfall in 10 years. It means the creatures, which may have been here since the Ice Age, are now particularly vulnerable to predators such as golden eagles, foxes and stoats. Rob Raynor, Scottish Natural Heritage's mammal specialist, said: "This year we have less snow in Scotland than usual. "Every spring, while their fur is still mainly white, mountain hares have to deal with difficulties evading predators as the snow disappears and they're more visible against brown heather before they moult back to grey/brown. "You can sometimes even see them among the brown heather when snow is nearby. But with less snow this year, the risk to hares of predators could begin earlier and be higher than normal." First mountain hare reared by Scottish SPCA released 1 August 2017 The Scottish SPCA has released a mountain hare back into the wild after he was found at less than a week old. We were alerted after the hare was discovered by a member of the public in Balblair in Ross-shire on 23 May. The adorable little hare was rehabilitated at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Center in Fishcross, where he was named Nevis. Center Manager Colin Seddon said, “Nevis was the first mountain hare we’ve ever hand reared at our center in Fishcross so it was exciting. “He was hand reared by Nicola Turnbull, one of our wildlife assistants. “Their natural habitat is In the mountains and hills so they’re rarely picked up.” “Nevis was successfully released back into the wild at a carefully selected site. Sadly mountain hares are still heavily persecuted so we’ve ensured he’s in an area where there is no form of control or culling.” Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/mountain-hare/ http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-species/which-and-how/mammals/hares/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/31/mountain-hares-scotland-culling-highlands-onekind http://www.hare-preservation-trust.co.uk/mountain.php https://www.gwct.org.uk/research/species/mammals/mountain-hare/ http://www.welcometoscotland.com/about-scotland/wildlife-around-scotland/scottish-mammals/mountain-hare http://www.hutton.ac.uk/research/groups/ecological-sciences/landscape-and-spatial-ecology/mountain-hares https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/mountain-irish-hare/ https://www.scottishspca.org/newsroom/latest-news/first-mountain-hare-reared-by-scottish-spca-released/ https://stv.tv/news/features/1386680-snow-white-secrets-of-scotland-s-mountain-hare-whisperer/ Rabbit Wool Socks Now occasionally I like bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience, and I have researched enough to recommend. A few years ago I received rabbit wool socks for a Christmas. Out of the package I noticed how soft and fuzzy they were. They are a thick sock. You can call them plush, but they are not like plush material. They are very soft thick socks. My feet have been warm and comfortable wearing them. They are very fine outside, but they are a thick sock, so they may not fit into tight shoe. They can be too warm for wearing all day indoors in a shoe. They wash well and have not lost their shape. The elastic top was just right holding up the socks without being too tight. I have no complaint about the fit. My wife likes to wear them as slippers inside do to how warm they keep your feet. These are amazing socks, they are very soft and not itchy at all! We will have a link to the socks in the show notes. Word of the week: Risk The Rabbit Herd Europe http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0570.html#ashliman Once upon a time there was a king who had a daughter that would not laugh. His jugglers, clowns, and jesters performed their utmost for her, but she could not, or would not, even break a smile. Finally the king proclaimed that whatever man -- rich or poor, young or old, strong or frail -- could break his daughter's spell should take her to wife, and receive half the kingdom as well. Men and boys came from every direction to try their luck but no one was successful, until.... The news finally reached a remote corner of the kingdom where a poor peasant lived with his three sons. The youngest -- we'll call him Hans (although some say that his name was Jack, or Ivan, or Juan) -- decided that he too would try his luck at winning the hand of the princess. He was a droll sort -- some called him silly, others just plain stupid -- whose capers often brought the villagers to laughter. Yes, he would give it a try. And he set forth, pursued by the jeers of his older and wiser brothers, on the path that led to the king's palace. At midday he was looking for a shady spot where he could rest and eat the crust of bread he had brought, when suddenly he came upon an old man by the side of the road. "Would you share your bread with a weary traveler?" asked the stranger. "Half a dry crust is quite as good as a whole one," replied Hans, and broke off a piece for the old man. "Bless you, my son," responded the stranger. "I cannot reward you with gold, but this whistle will lead you to that, and more." So saying, he offered Hans a tiny silver flute. Hans put the flute to his lips, and it began to play, first a marching tune, then a cheerful air, and then a pensive hymn. Before he knew it, Hans had arrived at the palace, and the guards, charmed by his tuneful music, let him pass. His heart leapt for joy, and the flute broke into a lusty jig. The princess, hearing the tune, opened her window and looked out. She nodded her head to the beat, then gave a cautious grin, and then an open smile. She chuckled softly to herself, then broke into a happy laugh. The king, hearing her joyful laughter, was beside himself with glee, until -- that is -- until he saw the lad who was playing the flute. Hans, you see, did have the look of a peasant and of a simpleton, and the king, in spite of his promise, was hoping for a finer man. "That is all well and good," said the king to Hans, "but before you can receive the princess, there is yet another task that you must fulfill." He then had one hundred wild rabbits set loose in a nearby forest. "Keep these animals together in a herd," said the king, and in three days the princess and half the kingdom shall be yours. But if you lose a single rabbit, you shall forfeit everything. Even as they spoke the rabbits ran to the four winds, but Hans did not despair. He blew a few notes into the silver flute, and as if by magic, the hundred rabbits assembled at his feet. Reassured, he made himself comfortable in the shade of a large tree, and waited for the three days to pass. The king, seeing how easily Hans kept the herd together was filled with worry and anger. No other solution presented itself, so finally he sent his daughter into the woods, telling her to do whatever was necessary to get a rabbit away from the peasant herdsman. The princess presented herself to Hans, and asked him ever so politely if she might not purchase one of his rabbits. His answer made her blush. "You don't mean that I would have to ...," she said, and didn't know whether to pout or to smile. No, he would accept no other offer, said Hans. "Take it, or leave it." And so she took it. The princess left the woods carrying a rabbit in her basket. But well before she arrived home, Hans put the magic flute to his lips, and in an instant the rabbit jumped from her basket and raced back to the herd. The next day the king, ever more desperate, sent his own wife into the woods with instructions to bring home a rabbit, whatever the cost. When Hans named his price, the queen, like the princess before her, first pouted, then smiled, and then gave in. But she too lost her rabbit when Hans called it back with his magic flute. On the third day the king himself went into the woods to bargain for a rabbit. Hans, as before, was willing to trade, but this time the price -- no, I cannot bring myself to say more than that it involved a mare that was grazing in a nearby clearing. Red with shame, the king took his rabbit and started off for home, but again the flute called the rabbit back into the herd. The three days had passed, and the rabbit herd was still intact, but now the king found yet another task that Hans would have to fulfill before he could claim the princess and half the kingdom. "A trifle," explained the king. "Just sing three bags full." "I can manage that," said Hans. "Bring me three empty bags, and I'll sing them full to the top, but only in the presence of the finest lords and ladies of the kingdom. The king, believing that at last he would be rid of the peasant lad, assembled the lords and ladies in a great hall, then brought in Hans and three empty bags. Hans picked up a bag and started to sing: Our princess went into the woods; She thought she'd try her luck, ... "Stop!" called out the princess. That bag is full!" Hans obligingly stopped singing, tied a string around the mouth of the bag, picked up the next one, and started a new song: Our queen she went into the woods; She thought she'd try her luck, ... "Stop!" shouted the queen. That bag is full!" Hans stopped, tied this bag shut, picked up the last one, and commenced singing: Our king he went into the woods; He thought he'd try his luck, ... "Stop!" bellowed the king. The last bag is full!" With that, the king proclaimed that Hans had won the princess's hand in marriage and half the kingdom. The wedding was celebrated that same day. All the lords and ladies attended the great feast that followed. I too was invited, but I lost my way in the woods and arrived only as the last toast was being drunk. This tale, recorded with varying degrees of raciness, is found throughout Europe. Hello Listener! Thank you for listening. If you would like to support the podcast, and keep the lights on, you can support us whenever you use Amazon through the link below: It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what. Or you can become a Fluffle Supporter by donating through Patreon.com at the link below: Patreon/Hare of the Rabbit What's this Patreon? Patreon is an established online platform that allows fans to provide regular financial support to creators. Patreon was created by a musician who needed a easy way for fans to support his band. Please support Hare of the Rabbit Podcast financially by becoming a Patron. Patrons agree to a regular contribution, starting at $1 per episode. Patreon.com takes a token amount as a small processing fee, but most of your money will go directly towards supporting the Hare of the Rabbit Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time. You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger. © Copyrighted

This is where change happens. We have a face to face, open, honest discussion with the head of the GWCT (Adam Smith) and RSPB in Scotland (Duncan Orr-Ewing). Tackling issues around management and what conservation means, we look at the conflicts and solutions between management for hunting and the wider conservation of species. Brought to you by the Scottish Association for Countrysports.

First up you hear from us, talking on recent goings on, upcoming events and what we are up to and have been up to. Then we head over to the GWCT Game Fair for a case study discussion on community land use and access to resources such as hunting and fishing. A some what contentious issue with the current climate in Scotland, it is an informative debate, with podcast host Byron Pace on the panel adding his take. We ran out of time to discuss international models of public land use, but will return to this in the future. Large room many mics, lots of people and background noise, so although clear, the panel discussion audio isn't our usual standard. Email- podcast@paceproductionsuk.com www.thepaceprothers.com New prize up for grabs this week, which is the latest edition of the Hornady reloading manual. Check our social media 'pace brothers' for all the info or listen in. This podcast is supported by the Scottish Association for Country Sports.

A few months back Byron attended a hunting symposium at the opening of the CIC generally assembly. This week we bring you selected speeches from this event, as well the latest highlights from our previous guest, Diggory Hadoke battling with Peirs Morgan again.    Its wide ranging with high level experts from around the world. Something for everyone. We hear from WWF Director Marco Lambertini on climate change, poaching and the issues with growing human populations. Anders Dimiter, senior biologist for the EU commission gives us an outline for future policy. The great Shane Mahoney talks through the American model and its success with regard to migratory birds. We also hear the opening statements prior to the assembly and get a taster of the round table discussions Byron was a part of.   Competition to win a Cladwell shooting rest at this weekend GWCT game fair continues. Check out our social media for more.   Email the show podcast@paceproductionsuk.con   www.thepacebrothers.com   This podcast is supported by the Scottish Association for Country Sports.

We are back for a panel debate recorded live at the Northern shooting show, but with a whole host of new topics and guests. We talk on an array of topics including our connection with food in the modern world, the affordability of hunting, collaborative working between organisations and how it can be better, why it’s important to join an organisation, hunting abroad and our responsibility, as well as why hunters should embrace initiatives which have no direct personal benefit from a hunting stand point. All that and more for a jam packed podcast with no less than five guests. The guests included Rory Kennedy, chairman of SACS, Julia Stoddart head of policy at the Scottish Association for Country Sports, Kyriacos Kythreotis owner of Athina Sporting, Duncan Thomas regional officer for BASC, and Dave Ewing from Firearms UK. Of course there is a new prize to win to in the form of a Caldwell Shooting rest which we will be giving away at the GWCT game Fair the first weekend in July. Listen in to enter.    Email the show podcast@paceproductionsuk.com   This show is brought to you by SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR COUNTRY SPORTS  

We are catching up with the last few months news today, covering topics from vegan-upsetting nursery rhymes to the serious topics of the Ivory trade and policy changes within the UK and South Africa. We also cover the Scottish governments wish to cover Scotland in trees as well as the conflict between the GWCT and the RSPB. Plastics in the ocean see discussion, and how much we digest in our own diet. Enjoy eating salmon? Well we talk about the previously secret plans to open the largest salmon farm in the UK. It's an all round news up date to keep you informed. Visit www.thepacebrothers.com for more information   This podcast is brought to you by The Scottish Association For Country Sports  

A long-awaited podcast with head of membership, marketing and communications from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Andrew Gilruth. We tackle the big question of driven grouse; the benefits as well as negatives of the associated management. We don’t stop there. We talk on woodcock, hare, Chris Packham, Mark Avery  and of course the parliamentary debate to ban driven grouse shooting. Visit the GWCT today https://www.gwct.org.uk/ Visit the woodcock tracking map http://www.gwct.org.uk/game/research/species/woodcock/ Email the show  podcast@paceproductionsuk.com   Visit www.thepacebrothers.com for more information and our online shop.   This show is brought to you by  The Scottish Association for Country Sports

This month we go crazy with no less than 8 guests. First we bring you a first-hand account from Colin Arthurs on the capture of the escaped lynx from an English zoo, before traveling to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair for a live debate on rewilding. We also touch on the glorious 12th, eagles the Olympics and hare coursing. Guests included:   David Balharry Scotland Director for Rewilding Britain Andrew Gilruth, Director of Communications, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)  Alex Stoddart,  Director, Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS)  Jamie Stewart, Director, Scottish Countryside Alliance (SCA)  Stuart Brooks, CEO, John Muir Trust (JMT)  George Milne, Scottish Regional Development Officer, National Sheep Association (NSA)    http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/193.pdf   https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2050-3385-2-4