THE BDS SOUTH WEST ENGLAND BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) South West England branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH AREA AND COMMITTEE
BRANCH CONTACTS
| Chair | Sharif Adams | chairsouthwestengland@bds.org.uk |
| Vice-Chair | Martin Lamb | southwestengland@bds.org.uk |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
| Chair | Sharif Adams |
| Vice-Chair | Martin Lamb |
| Treasurer | Rob Durrant |
| President | Rosemary Bethell |
- Andrew Siveyer
- Hugh Bourne
- Cheryl Richardson
BRANCH AREAS
| Postcode | Area |
| BA1 – BA11 | Bath |
| BA16 | Bath |
| BA20 – BA22 | Bath |
| BS | Bristol |
| EX | Exeter |
| PL | Plymouth |
| TA | Tauton |
| TQ | Torquay |
| TR | Truro |
EVENTS
Date
EVENT
Saturday 15th july 2023
first aid course
Saturday 23rd September 2023
60th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday 22nd October 2023
first aid course
Saturday 4th November 2023
GRALLOCH AND CARCASS INSPECTION DAY
Saturday 11th November 2023
Butchery Event - Shaldon, Devon
More details on our events can be found in the news section below.
NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT
No upcoming events, please check back soon.
NEWS
First Aid Course (EFAW+F)
Saturday 22nd October 2023
9am-5pm
Buckfastleigh
£70 if booked before 1st October, £80 thereafter
Investing in some basic first aid training is always worthwhile and leases and syndicates will often require stalkers to have the EFAW+F certificate (Emergency First Aid at Work plus Forestry). So we are pleased to be able to offer this course, taught by Hugh Bourne.
This one day course, which includes the ‘Plus Forestry’ element, covers the kind of traumatic injuries and heavy bleeds that deer stalkers may encounter. Knowing how to respond in the case of such an emergency can really mean the difference between life and death. A course such as this should be a priority for anyone who could find themselves having to administer basic fist aid to themselves or someone else while working in remote locations.
Hugh Bourne has many years of experience both managing deer and teaching first aid, so he knows exactly the type of emergencies that may need to be responded to. He has agreed to shift the focus of this course specifically towards deer stalkers whilst still covering the requirements for the standard EFAW+F certificate. If you need a certificate for a lease or a syndicate, or if your three years has elapsed and you need to renew, or if you feel it’s time to take a first aid course simply to have the knowledge to respond appropriately in an emergency then join us at Hugh’s Cabin in the beautiful Devon countryside for this one day course.
For more info or for payment details to reserve a place please contact southwestengland@bds.org.uk
60th Anniversary Celebration
You are warmly invited to the South West England Branch Member’s Day, to mark the 60th Anniversary of the British Deer Society. Members and non-members are all welcome.
This will take place at Powderham Castle, Exeter, on Saturday 23rd September 2023. We have three speakers giving presentations in the morning, followed by a light lunch. The day will then conclude with a tour of the deer park. We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be an enjoyable day.
Tickets cost £35 per person (Members) or £40 per person (Non Members).
To make a reservation or for more details, please email; southwestengland@bds.org.uk.
The light lunch will include a selection of sandwiches, crudité platters with houmous, and Burt’s crisps, a choice of quiche (served cold): mediterranean vegetable (v) quiche lorraine or silton and broccoli (v). This will be accompanied by elderflower and water.
We look forward to seeing you in September.
Gralloch and Carcass Inspection Day with butchery demo
Saturday 4th November 2023
10am – 5pm
Buckfastleigh
£70 Members/£80 non-Members
These ever-popular events are kindly hosted by Hugh Bourne on his land near Buckfastleigh.
We have put this event together for anyone who wants to know more about how to locate the various lymph nodes or how to identify signs of disease. It is highly recommended for anyone considering signing up for the DSC2.
There will be opportunities for some of the group to get ‘hands on’ experience during the session. Hugh will also demonstrate how to skin and butcher one of the deer completing the whole process from field to fork. At midday, we will have a ‘Hunters Brunch’ at Hugh’s cabin.
These events are also a great opportunity to meet and socialise so please do not hesitate to book again if you have been on the Gralloch day events previously. All are very welcome.
Places on these courses are strictly limited and will book up quickly.
For more info or for payment details to reserve a place please contact southwestengland@bds.org.uk
BOOKING
To book branch events please email southwestengland@bds.org.uk including how many people you want to book for. I will then forward you our Branch bank account details so you can transfer the payment.
If you have paid for the previous range day and would like to attend this one please mention this when booking.
STAY IN TOUCH
If your contact information has changed please make sure to let us know. To update your details simply email membership@bds.org.uk or call 01425 655434.
LATEST NEWS
Surveillance for Coronaviruses in Wildlife
The British Deer Society is asking its members and supporters to assist with a surveillance study looking into coronaviruses in wildlife. This study aims to support the development of diagnostic tests, aid future surveillance, and improve preparedness for future coronavirus outbreaks.
BDS CEO Goes Live On TalkTV To Promote Fact-led Deer Management
David Mcauley, British Deer Society (BDS) CEO went live on TalkTV and Radio at the weekend to promote the importance of having more fact-led approaches in deer management, less sensationalism in the media around total UK deer numbers and to speak up for deer welfare.
Deer Management in the UK: Sustainability Verses Eradication
Recently, we received a heartfelt letter from a dedicated member of the British Deer Society (BDS), a seasoned deer stalker with 30 years of experience who was dismayed by the indiscriminate and unsustainable shooting of roe deer around his management areas. His words shed light on the evolving challenges faced by conscientious deer managers who prioritise legal and humane practices in an environment where not all shooters share the same values.
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