NGO Chairman writes to the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs

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Many of our members and followers will already be aware of the long-running engagement between the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and the Welsh Government. Conversations between us have included on the topic of the licensing of the release of game birds, and the removal of magpies from the General Licence. 

Our Chairman, David Pooler, wrote recently to the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs about the progress being seen in self-assurance across shoot businesses in Wales. The letter can be found below.

Dear Mr Irranca-Davies,

I write both on behalf of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, and as a gamekeeper who lives and works in Wales, to share some exciting news regarding the strides the game sector in Wales has made towards self-regulation, particularly through the Trusted Game Scheme.

Since the sector met with representatives from Natural Resources Wales in August 2023 to discuss the potential licensing of the release of common pheasant and red legged partridges, over 72 shoot businesses in Wales have undergone thorough audits conducted by independent veterinarians as part of the Trusted Game initiative (figures correct 29/07/24).

Natural Resources Wales stated after their consultation that there was little evidence that the game management sector in Wales are adhering to best practice. Ever since, my colleagues in the gamebird sector have been working hard to demonstrate that we are in fact adhering to best practice and operating to the very best standard.

Signing up to a voluntary scheme which is independently audited by vets, like Trusted Game, is one way that we can demonstrate to Welsh ministers and the wider public that we as a sector are serious about proving we are adhering to the highest possible standards.

The Trusted Game Scheme is a comprehensive auditing program designed to ensure that shoot businesses operate in line with best practices, prioritising animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable game management. Each participating business undergoes a rigorous assessment carried out by independent vets. They evaluate all aspects of their operations including habitat management, animal health and welfare, compliance with legal standards, and overall ethical practices.

The primary objective of scheme is to foster transparency and accountability within the game sector. By doing so, we aim to build trust with the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Another significant step has been an increase in voluntary training of game managers in Wales. The British Poultry Association Gamebird Committee established a core curriculum for training courses for game hatcheries, game farms and shoots as part of the join initiatives to reduce antimicrobial use in the sector and to improve overall standards. This training is carried out by vets and offered to many people involved in game management activities.

As a gamekeeper working in Wales, the threat of the disruption to game management in Wales which a licensing regime around the release of game birds is very worrying. Any system such as this has the potential to be changed or even removed at any time, leaving everyone working in the sector constantly wondering what is around the corner.

Last spring one of my young gamekeepers handed in their notice to take a job in England. They are local to Corwen, Welsh speaking and have now moved their entire family to a more secure role over the border. We have not been able to replace them with a suitable local candidate whilst the threat of a licensing system remains, as the situation is so insecure. I have heard of several other Welsh-born gamekeepers leaving Wales to find employment elsewhere because of the current uncertainty.

Given your interest in this area, we would be delighted to arrange a meeting with you and the veterinarians who have conducted these audits. This would provide an opportunity for you to gain deeper insights into the scheme's processes and the positive impacts it has had on the sector. I would also like to be able to reassure my colleagues and peers that the Welsh Labour Party and Welsh Government are listening to the views of those who live and work in rural Wales.

Furthermore, if there is any evidence of bad practices within the game sector that the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) should be aware of, we kindly request that you share this information with us. Our commitment is to address any issues promptly and ensure that all shoot businesses adhere to best practice. Through proactive intervention and collaboration, we aim to rectify any shortcomings and maintain the integrity of the sector.

I look forward to the possibility of discussing this further with you and your colleagues and exploring ways to continue improving voluntary standards within the game sector. Please let us know your availability for a meeting at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

David Pooler,

Chairman, National Gamekeepers' Organisation