Relaxation of Covid-19 Restrictions

23 February, 2021

On Monday, February 22^nd 2021 the Prime Minister outlined his roadmap to a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

Details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-roadmap-to-cautiously-ease-lockdown-restrictions

Please note that this relates to England. There may be national variations forthcoming relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and we will add links to the latest advice as it becomes available.

BDS Courses and Training

From March the 8^th BDS will be resuming delivery of DSC1 and Deer Management Courses in line with the guidance on higher education with practical elements as long as planned venues and Instructors are available.

All activities will be guided by the BDS Covid Secure Risk Assessment. Availability of accommodation may prove challenging and we will be happy to work with Candidates to rebook them on later courses wherever possible if they are unable to attend on their planned dates.

stalking and deer management activities

Our advice regarding stalking and deer management activities remains the same at the current time:

If your activities are considered ‘essential wildlife management’ as part of an ongoing cull plan and/or crop protection programme then this is deemed as work and is permissible.

We strongly advise people to obtain clear instructions to this effect, in writing, from the employers, landowners or managing agents that they work with. We also advise people to ensure that their risk assessments are up to date and include Covid-19.
If your stalking activities are purely recreational then this remains under the ‘exercise’ category and can only take place locally.

The nearest thing that we have to a definition of local is ‘in your village, town or part of the city’.

On March 29^th the ‘Stay at home’ guidance is scheduled to change to ‘Stay local’ and some changes to restrictions on outdoor gatherings and sports are planned. We will issue further advice nearer this time.

Covid Restrictions and Guidance

Restrictions and guidance are subject to change at short notice and ultimately it is down to the individual to ensure that they are complying with the most appropriate and up to date rules.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well in these difficult times especially those directly affected by Covid-19.

You can watch the most recent Government press briefing on the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions below.