KEY issues in game management will be discussed at a Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) conference in March.

Game 2019 will provide game managers with the latest research relevant to lowland game shoots and promote good practice in the game and wildlife management sector.

Tom Adams, managing director of the British Game Alliance, will explain its important role in the game industry. It promotes the value of all feathered game to the public while exploring new markets at home and overseas to ensure that game meat products meet rigorous and ethical standards.

Tim Furbank, director of seed-specialists Oakbank, will explore multi-purpose game covers which deliver many benefits for shoots. The company is heavily involved in GWCT-led projects, such as the Rotherfield Demonstration Farm.

Polly Davies, an account manager at event co-sponsors Elanco, has wide-ranging expertise in the animal and equine health industry and will discuss gamebird parasitology – the study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them.

Dr Roger Draycott, co-organiser of the event, said: “Game 2019 is for professional game managers who want to be up to speed with the latest research and advice on the key current issues affecting lowland game shoots.

“We have selected a range of GWCT and outside speakers who will tackle some of the challenges and opportunities facing game shoots today, including Brexit, the benefits of multi-purpose game covers, traps and trapping, pheasant releasing research, GWCT’s demonstration shoots and much more.”

There are also talks from GWCT staff including Dr Alastair Leake, covering Brexit; Andrew Gilruth on GWCT’s best-selling book, The Knowledge; Dr Jonathan Reynolds on trapping; and Rufus Sage on pheasant releasing research.

Austin Weldon will also discuss GWCT’s demonstration shoots. He said: "The game sector is constantly evolving, and it is well-proven that good game management provides huge benefits for other wildlife. However, game managers need to keep up-to-date and constantly strive for higher standards across the whole sector and this is what Game 2019 sets out to achieve.”

Game 2019 is at The Allerton Project on Tuesday, March 5, from 9.30am to 4pm. Tickets cost £35 and are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-2019-conference-tickets-54523827235.