A new partnership has been established to promote rural careers and protect countryside skills, bringing together 19 organisations under the Game and Wildlife Management Skills Group (GWMSG).
Chaired by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) with Lantra as secretariat, the GWMSG aims to raise awareness of land-based job opportunities, support young people into the sector and ensure the future of traditional skills vital to Scotland’s game and wildlife management.
SLE acting policy adviser Nic MacLeod said: “We are delighted to be able to join forces with partners from across the game and wildlife sector to help the next generation to embark on a rural career.
“In Scotland, we have a thriving game management and conservation sector and there are numerous opportunities on offer all over the country, with training and apprenticeships available, whether for school-leavers or those who are new to the sector.
“These skills are of vital importance to enhance biodiversity, create cohesive rural communities, boost the economy and use the land sustainably. By working together we can enable skills transfer to the next generation.”
The group’s work will highlight career paths in deer management, grouse moor management, muirburn, moorland ecology and gamekeeping.
Barron-Majerik added: “The next few years are a critical time for both preserving and developing skills, and improving access to careers in this sector. By working together we can help ensure the vital role that land-based industries play in the Scottish and UK economy is more widely recognised. This partnership is an excellent way to collaborate, share knowledge and invest in the next generation.”
The GWMSG also intends to promote better understanding of the sector’s contribution to ecosystem health, biodiversity and land management. It hopes to address barriers to entry by challenging misconceptions about rural careers, connecting school-leavers with employers, and promoting upskilling and diversification opportunities for those already in the industry.
Members of the partnership include the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, Cairngorm National Park Authority, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Moray Estates and NatureScot..