The lay of the land
Game and wildlife management involves the management of upland, lowland, woodland and wetland game and wildlife species, including partridge, grouse, pheasant and deer.
The sector manages game populations to maintain shooting based field sports.
The game and wildlife industry is common in all rural areas. Sporting estates are being found across the whole of the UK. These estates vary in size and sporting activity.
There are currently an estimated 3,000 businesses employing approximately 6,000 workers in the industry. Some 60,000 volunteers are involved in game conservation on a regular or occasional basis – ranging from beaters to members of shoot syndicates and clubs.
On the horizon
The following will have the largest impact on skill needs and patterns of employment:
Hygiene legislation and increased legislation over food traceability issues will require qualified specialists to advise and deal with such issues
Leisure and tourism posts will increase within the industry, due to legislation such as the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, combined with government promotion of healthy living
The growth of national parks could see an increase in ranger positions and environmental specialists
Common Agricultural Policy reform and possible changes in world trade could lead to a reduction of the number of businesses and self-employed
Game shooting and stalking is becoming more popular. This could result in an increase of gamekeepers and stalkers, but will require new skills in customer care and communication to allay public concern over the size of shoots
However, the size of shoots may decrease due to public concern. This could impact on the number of full time gamekeepers employed but could result in more part-time gamekeepers and volunteers
The traditional gamekeeper will evolve into a ‘land manager’, having a greater knowledge of environmental issues, species, habitat, and management skills.
Many current issues will require the industry to focus on specialist skills and training. This will affect the type of people the industry employs, rather than numbers employed. For example:
Professional communications support will be required to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and enhance community education initiatives
Auditing skills will be required to manage legislative demands and also new requirements such as counting of species for the introduction of wind farms
In order to compete in a global market, operators will require business development, management, technology and communications skills
Increasingly the industry requires a multi-skilled workforce and many existing roles will merge to become one role which requires higher skills.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to keep education and training relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the game and wildlife management industry, and ensure these needs are met through your training.
For more detailed information, read the Game and Wildlife Management Sector Skills Agreement Stage 5 Report.
