Stand by me
With the deer population on the increase, we will need more skilled deer stalkers, and Martin Edwards explains how a new scheme can help provide essential experience.
Applications now open for deer grants
Funding is now available in England for practical training courses, including deer stalking qualifications.
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is open for new applications.
Individuals who live or work in England may be eligible to apply for funding to cover the full cost of attending short, practical training courses in forestry and arboriculture. This includes DSC1 and DSC2.
One hundred per cent grant funding is available for people who are considering a change of career, or who are seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture and who want to undertake a forestry-related or arboriculture-related training course.
Applications should be made early as funding is limited. Priority will be given to those who have not been previously awarded a grant through Forestry Commission scheme or those who have been awarded funding for less than three courses since February 2023.
It is worth noting that all training must be completed by no later than 31 March 2025, using one of the pre-registered training providers. Funding will not be given for courses which have been booked or completed prior to application being made.
Nick Lane from BASC’s training and education department said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those thinking of taking their first steps into deer stalking.”
For more information and to apply for grant funding, please visit the Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund website.
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