The National Gamekeepers' Organisation

18/06/2026

17/06/2026

A new scientific review commissioned by Natural England and undertaken by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust suggests pheasant releasing is having no significant impact on insect populations in the wider countryside.

GWCT senior scientist Dr Rufus Sage who authored the report, said: “Pheasant releasing is often blamed for causing insect declines, but we have found no evidence for this. The studies showed that, even where up to 20 birds per hectare were present across large areas, there was no detectable effect on invertebrate abundance, species richness or diversity.”

Read more:

https://www.gwct.org.uk/news/news/2026/june/new-report-finds-no-evidence-of-pheasants-affecting-insect-abundance/

16/06/2026

The NGO have for many years highlighted the dangers of disposable barbecues, particularly in moorland areas and places where dry vegetation flourishes.

We are delighted to see that David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has called for disposable barbecues to be banned, in advance of a visit to Langdale Moor, which saw a huge wildfire in the summer of 2025.

After a long investigation, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service found that the fire had likely been started by a campfire.

David Skaith says disposable barbecues are responsible for incidents such as wildfires.

15/06/2026

We recently posted a picture showing two adders, a grass snake and a sloworm together beneath a sheet of tin in a pheasant pen. Afterwards, we saw some comments questioning whether the image is genuine, or AI generated. It is of course genuine.

The gamekeeper has shared the video below, filmed at the moment he lifted the sheet himself, showing exactly what was found underneath. Three species, one location, completely undisturbed until that moment.

To address a couple of the specific comments: finding adders, grass snakes and slow worms together beneath a single sheet is genuinely unusual, but that is precisely what makes this worth sharing. Good habitat management concentrates the conditions these species need — warmth, shelter, food and security — in a relatively small area.

Reptile survey tins and sheets work on exactly this principle, and this keeper had been deliberately managing the habitat with wildlife in mind.

The photo is from Wiltshire. It was taken by an individual that the gamekeeper was showing the replites too. Nothing has been staged or manipulated.

We will not allow a remarkable piece of genuine conservation evidence to be dismissed without setting the record straight.

Gamekeepers are Britain's largest group of privately funded conservationists. This video is a good example of why.

14/06/2026

DMQ Deer Night Shooting Course - Oxfordshire - 18 June 2026

Only a few places remaining on this one-day DMQ deer night shooting course, running from 1pm into the evening at Kingston Lisle, Wantage, Oxfordshire.

The course covers multiple-choice questions, animal identification from night-time images, a night shooting safety test, and a practical night shooting assessment. DSC1 is a prerequisite for all candidates. Many attendees will also hold DSC2, though this is not essential.

With Natural England's CL55 class licence now in operation, more deer managers are being asked to operate at night to reduce and maintain local deer populations. CL55 eligibility under Category 2 specifically requires both a basic deer shooting qualification and a deer night shooting qualification - making this course directly relevant to anyone looking to register to use the licence.

Completing a recognised night shooting qualification also strengthens applications under Category 4, which requires an advanced level deer qualification alongside demonstrated knowledge of night-shooting equipment including thermal imaging and night vision.

Getting qualified ahead of time puts you in the strongest possible position to register and operate under CL55 without delay.

Cost: £252

To book, contact Mike Fellows directly:
Phone: 07940 909250
Email: [email protected]

Full event details: https://www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk/event/dmq-deer-night-shooting-course-oxfordshire-2026-06-18

13/06/2026

A fantastic example of what can be found when habitat is managed properly for wildlife.

This remarkable photo was sent to us by a gamekeeper in Wiltshire and shows four iconic British reptiles discovered beneath a sheet of tin beside a pheasant pen: two adders, a grass snake and a slow worm.

While many people associate gamekeeping solely with game bird management, this image highlights the wider conservation benefits that good habitat management can deliver. Through the creation and maintenance of diverse habitats, predator control, supplementary feeding, cover crops, woodland management and careful stewardship of the countryside, gamekeepers provide the conditions that allow a huge range of species to flourish in both the uplands and lowlands.

The presence of all three reptile species in one location is a strong indication of a healthy ecosystem, rich in the shelter, food sources and undisturbed habitat these species require. It is quite common to see them thriving on a driven pheasant shoot, demonstrating how well-managed sporting landscapes can support biodiversity alongside game management.

A great credit to the keeper and all those involved in managing the shoot.

Gamekeepers are Britain's largest group of privately funded conservationists.

11/06/2026

NGO members and followers may be aware that the Government are running a public consultation asking for views on a proposed ban on trail hunting.

The NGO stands behind all lawful rural pursuits, and as such, we urge members and supporters to respond to the consultation, to oppose the proposed ban on trail hunting, and protect our rural way of life.

Beyond that, there are various items within the current proposals which are of separate concern for the NGO, as they could have a serious impact on our members. These include restrictions on the use of animal-based scents in training dogs, a proposal which would affect the use of dogs in training gundogs for both shooting and field trial work; in the tracking of wounded deer; for conservation, and for vital pest control work.

The consultation is open until Thursday 18 June, and we would urge you all to respond, highlighting your concerns with the proposals. It can be found at the following link.

We would also encourage people to write to their MP, explaining how they might be affected by these proposals.

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/defra/trail-hunting-consultation/

11/06/2026

One of our National Vice Chairs is hosting an event for local school children on the estate that he is Head Keeper on in Berkshire today.

Despite the wet weather, the show must go on — some nice improvisation from Dave and his team to keep the kids dry.

It's great to see game management being showcased to local schools.

11/06/2026

Places are still available on the NGO's Wild Game Meat Hygiene Course on Exmoor this Tuesday, 16 June.

Run at Castle Hill Estate, this one-day course covers game meat hygiene from field to larder for both large game — wild deer and wild boar — and small game including pheasants, partridge, duck, rabbit and hare.

Successful candidates receive a unique Hunter's ID number, which is a legal requirement for anyone wishing to sell game to game dealers or game handling establishments. You'll also receive a certificate and credit card-style proof of completion.

Arrive by 9.00am. Tea and coffee provided — please bring your own lunch.

Cost: £200 inc VAT

To book, contact Mike Fellows:
Call: 07940 909250
Email: [email protected]

10/06/2026

The Bank of England are currently running a consultation, asking the public about which native UK wildlife should feature on the next series of banknotes.

One of the birds which has been selected for the final shortlist is the Eurasian Curlew; an iconic species whose English stronghold is in the uplands and moorlands. Sadly their numbers have halved in the last twenty years, and the bird is considered a top conservation priority.

We would love the Curlew to feature on the new bank notes, as it would increase public awareness of the bird. It's easy to vote; just follow the link below.

You have until 11.59pm on Friday 3 July 2026 to place your vote.

https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41844465/6049/