NGO Achievements

Highlights of the NGO story so far

Founded in 1997 by a handful of gamekeepers concerned that their profession was under-represented
Rapidly became recognised as the main representative body for gamekeeping in England and Wales
Reversed Government changes that restricted all pest bird control and pigeon shooting
Set up simple, effective training for all gamekeepers in game meat hygiene
Sent gamekeepers to Strasbourg to address MEPs in the European Parliament
Issued first clear advice on impact of Hunting Act on gamekeeping and shooting
Sponsored and addressed the first ever national conference on rural crime
Ran the first national seminar on gamekeeper education
Helped to set up and fund the Countryside Survey, showing how gamekeepers help the environment throughout Britain
Attracted a single donation of £60,000 in support of our "excellent work"
Helped with the ongoing review of the Codes of Good Shooting Practice
Set up enjoyable fundraising events up and down the country
Produced a regular and widely-praised magazine for all members
Ran national auctions which raised over £250,000 for the NGO's work
Organised a positive national debate on the future of game shooting
Funded research to keep the grey partridge on the quarry list
Gave practical help to scientists investigating stoats, weasels and brown hares
Worked with LANTRA to improve gamekeeper training
Financed research into the effects of gamekeeping on songbirds
Helped fund the appointment of a vet at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
Worked with others towards better marketing for shot game
Met members and the public at the major game and country fairs
Re-established the 'Golden Pheasant' clay shooting competition for keepers
Set up the 'Golden Grouse' equivalent for upland keepers
Earned a place on the UK Committee of FACE (the EU fieldsports lobby)
Helped reinvigorate the European Gamekeepers' Association
Monitored and responded to all new laws affecting gamekeeping
Was consulted by government for our views on raptors
Represented gamekeepers in meetings with leading environmental bodies
Secured funding from the game feed industry
Produced a guide for all members on handling police searches
Attracted over 13,500 members
Explained what gamekeepers do, in articles, radio and television programmes
Established the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Charitable Trust
Set up tweny two NGO regions over all parts of the country
Ran a series of countrywide gamebird disease seminars
Lifted restrictive conditions on Firearms Certificates
Opposed plans to ban the snare
Fought against a proposal to 'tax' all gamebird keepers
Assisted the fight against Avian Flu
Supported sensible changes to the Game Acts and Deer Act
Published Sporting Shooting and the Law, a comprehensive guide for just £5.
Lobbied for the retention of heather burning and helped write the Burning Code
Defended the use of rat bait and won an exemption for burying dead rats
Clarified the legal use of the Rodenator under UK law
Provided advice to members on firearms via a reknowned specialist
Ensured releasing could not be stopped under 'non-native species' legislation
Sought revision of trap inspection times to make them more practical
Worked with game crop manufacturers on new varieties and cultivation regimes
Produced a free DVD for all members on the NGO's first 10 years
Raised a fund of £1 million for the defence and promotion of gamekeeping
Reversed Government proposals banning dogs from being left on their own
Supported year-round pest control of Canada Geese

.....and the good work goes on