UK first for Grampian wildlife crime team

Grampian Police and the north east partnership against wildlife crime has notched up a UK first with the appointment of a new wildlife crime education officer.

Now civilian Andy Turner will work with police officer colleagues to raise awareness of wildlife crime and help to cut down on offences against animals.

Scottish Government Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "This is a very promising development in the continuing fight against wildlife crime in Scotland.

"Educating young people about the problem can help change attitudes and I hope that we will see a fall in the number of incidents in the long term as a result of the work of the UK's first wildlife crime officer."

And she said: "The Scottish Government will continue to work with all our partners to make the countryside a safer environment for our animals."

Andy, 33, who will be seconded to Grampian Police for three years from Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "I will be working in schools to raise awareness of wildlife crime and will be working on an education pack for primary school children which will be of use for years to come.

"I'll also be working closely with people involved in the management of the rural economy, like estate managers, gamekeepers, ranger services and conservation groups.

"It's important that the message I deliver is both balanced and representative of all the interested parties.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and I'll be meeting with a variety of representatives in the coming months to ensure their views are heard.

"Another part of my role is to attend countryside shows and events and deliver talks to maximise awareness of wildlife issues and the importance of taking care of our rich natural heritage to benefit both the environment and the economy."

Grampian Police wildlife crime coordinator Superintendent Alan Smailes said: "Wildlife crime remains a real and persistent threat to the nation's heritage.

"We have a committed team of police officers in Grampian who have proved to be highly successful in fighting wildlife crime.

"Successes include the successful prosecution of jet skiers harrassing dolphins and people involved in hare coursing and deer poaching."

Supt Smailes added: "Many of the people committing crimes against wildlife are also involved in other illegal activity.

"Crime prevention through education and awareness-raising has the potential to be further-reaching than enforcement activity, which is where the wildlife crime education officer will prove invaluable."

Factor of the Dunecht Estate Stuart Young, who is also a member of the Scottish Estates Business Group, said: "This is a very welcome appointment.

"Generally high standards of management are practised in the property and land management industry, but this new role has potential for preventing wildlife crimes by raising awareness across the region."

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Education, Learning and Leisure

Committee Richard Stroud, said: "With some of the most beautiful and unique flora and fauna in the country on our doorsteps here in Aberdeenshire, it seems fitting that our local police force is the first to introduce this post.

"Schools have an important role too, not just in educating young people about the world around us, but also in giving them a sense of ownership for the country's natural heritage."

Funding for the post was awarded through the Scottish Government and the European Community, Rural Aberdeenshire, the Moray LEADER programmes, Scottish Natural Heritage and Grampian Police.

Private funding from Aberdeen-based oil industry supply firm Optima has also been secured.