New Wildlife Aware qualification launched

Professional pest controllers working in rural situations can now demonstrate that they are Wildlife Aware thanks to a new BASIS-accredited training course which was launched at PestTech on 4 November.

The new one-day course has been developed by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU). Introducing it, CRRU chairman Dr Alan Buckle explained how it will give technicians additional awareness and competence so that they can reduce wildlife exposure to rodenticides reduced at the same time as maintaining effective rodent control.

The training is for pest control technicians who are already competent in rodent control so for example they will hold the RSPH/BPCA Certificate in Pest Control (Level 2) or an equivalent qualification such as those offered by Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

There are five modules covering:

Why control rodents – including new information on emerging diseases;
Rodent species and especially non-target species
How to control rodents on farm to minimise wildlife exposure. This module includes a special section for those who use rodenticides away from farm buildings
The environmental impacts of rodenticides
The CRRU code and how to minimise rodenticide exposure to wildlife

Click here for a copy of the Wildlife Aware syllabus

At the end of the training delegates can choose to take an exam which will be marked by BASIS. Those who pass will be entitled to use the new Wildlife Aware logo to signify their competence in combining effective control of rodents whilst minimising the exposure of non-target animals’ to rodenticides.

Wildlife Aware leaflet

The license to use the Wildlife Aware logo will be awarded to the individuals who pass the exam and not to their companies. Accredited technicians will have their name and employer listed on a register maintained by BASIS and on the CRRU website.

The cost will be in the region of £150 depending on venue pricing with a £50 per annum fee for BASIS accreditation. The first course is planned for Tuesday 2 February at the University of Reading. If you are interested in attending then please contact the BASIS training and examination manager Sue Mason

The activities of CRRU are managed and funded by the following group of companies: Syngenta Professional Pest Management, Rentokil Initial, PelGar International, Novartis Animal Health, Killgerm Group, Bell Laboratories, BASF Pest Control Solutions.

Syngenta has only recently joined CRRU – see announcement here.