New NGO Deer Branch Formed
3 April 2009
The National Gamekeepers' Organisation has formed a new Deer Branch to help improve deer management in the British countryside and to give due weight to the widespread interest in deer within the NGO.
David Whitby, the NGO's spokesman on deer issues, said:
"The NGO has represented stalkers since it was formed in 1997 and has achieved a great deal for deer management and for its stalker members. With the present increased interest in deer related issues, now more than ever the NGO must be there for both stalkers and keepers alike. Indeed on many estates it is the keeper who wears both hats.
"Having a new Deer Branch will bring focus to our work on deer management, utilise the wealth of knowledge and experience among our members and encourage the professional stalker's view to be heard at national level."
The NGO Deer Branch is not be a new organisation, nor even a new category of membership within the NGO. Keeper and Supporter members who are particularly interested in deer or actively involved in deer management can opt into the NGO Deer Branch as well, to ensure they get special mailings on deer issues and can attend Deer Branch meetings. They retain all existing benefits of NGO membership and there is no extra charge.
Modelled on the existing and highly successful NGO Moorland Branch, the NGO Deer Branch will enable the NGO to identify who its members are with an interest in deer, so that they can be better serviced by the organisation. It will also lend clout to the NGO's voice on deer-related issues within Government and the media. A new NGO Deer Committee will bring members' expertise on deer to the very heart of the NGO.
The idea has already attracted the approval of the respected UK Association of Professional Deer Managers, which has decided to wind up its own affairs and to join the NGO's initiative forthwith. UKAPDM Secretary, Barry Martin, said:
"The UKAPDM is delighted that the NGO has set up a Deer Branch to represent better the needs of professional stalkers and of deer. We are confident the NGO has the practical knowledge, the experience and the clout to do this job exceptionally well and we are therefore encouraging all our members to join the NGO Deer Branch."
The UKAPDM as an independent organisation has now come to an end.
The NGO Deer Branch held its inaugural general meeting on Friday 27 March 2009 at Ufton Court near Reading, where an experienced 15-strong NGO Deer Committee was elected David Whitby was voted Chairman and Vice Chairman will be Barry Martin. Terms of Reference were agreed and the first committee meeting will take place shortly.
NGO Chairman, Lindsay Waddell, said,
"This is an important step for the NGO and one we have been considering for some time. The formation of a Deer Branch to focus our work on deer is part of our forward plan and was agreed unanimously by the National Committee. I would like to reassure other organisations involved with deer and stalking that they have nothing to fear from the NGO's move. It is in many ways a formalisation of what the NGO already does on deer. We look forward to working with all organisations with an interest in deer and I hope the existence of our new Deer Branch will make that task easier. As deer numbers continue to rise it is essential that the view of the practical deer managers are properly heard."
A survey has shown that 12% of NGO Keeper Members are stalkers, while over 40% of all NGO members say they have an interest in deer. The NGO has been involved in many deer-related issues, from game meat hygiene courses to firearms. It has also given influential advice to Government on issues such as the reform of the Deer Act.
Questions and Answers:
Q. Is the NGO Deer Branch a new organisation?
A. No. It is a branch of the NGO just like the existing NGO Moorland Branch.
Q. How do I join?
A. If you are already a member of the NGO (Keeper or Supporter), you simply tell the NGO you are interested in deer and/or stalking and they will note that on the database and keep you informed of NGO Deer Branch activities. Every member will automatically be given an opportunity to opt in to the Deer Branch in this way when their NGO membership next comes up for renewal. Alternatively members can opt in now if they like by ringing the NGO office on 01388 665899 or by sending an email to ngo.enquiries@btopenworld.com
Q. Will it cost NGO members extra to opt into the Deer Branch?
A. No
Q. Will an existing NGO membership be affected by opting into the Deer Branch?
A. No
Q. What does the NGO Deer Branch hope to achieve?
A. Better recognition of the NGO's involvement with deer and stalking; more clout for the NGO on deer matters; better value for NGO members interested in deer. Ultimately, a contribution to the better management of deer populations in the UK