WILDFORCE actively participates in a range of committees and industry groups, demonstrating our commitment to responsible wildlife management and sector-wide collaboration. By engaging with these organisations, we contribute expertise, help shape policy, and promote best practice across the industry. Our involvement ensures that WILDFORCE stays at the forefront of emerging standards, shares knowledge with peers, and supports initiatives that advance ethical, effective, and sustainable wildlife management.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
UKHSA: Calls for Deer Manager Volunteers to Support National Disease Surveillance
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating emerging vector-borne and zoonotic diseases across the UK. Previously, they have had a fantastic response from deer managers across the UK, who took part in a citizen science study collecting deer samples. This enabled the first detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in the UK. After the success of the two previous studies from 2018-2021, UKHSA are wanting to expand on this work to continue to map the risk of pathogens in different geographical regions and fill in gaps where sample coverage is low.
We have recently begun contributing articles to Forestry Journal, sharing insights from our practical experience within the forestry and land management sector. Our aim is to provide clear, informed perspectives on current issues affecting landowners and professionals, helping to support good decision-making and best practice. This marks an important step in our commitment to engaging with the wider forestry community and contributing positively to industry knowledge.
FORESTRY JOURNAL
X GEORGE LARCOMBE
WILDFORCE’s Managing Director is an active member of the British Pest Control Association’s (BPCA) WildWise Special Interest Group, a volunteer-led group that focuses on developing and promoting best practice and informed policy in wildlife management across the pest control industry. WildWise brings together experienced professionals to share knowledge, contribute expertise, and help shape practical guidance that supports ethical, effective, and responsible wildlife control. Through this involvement, our Managing Director helps ensure WILDFORCE remains aligned with industry-led standards and contributes to the ongoing development of wildlife management policy within the sector.
WildWise
Wildlife management group
We participated in the Cornwall Invasive Species Forum alongside a range of organisations including SWLT, Cornwall Squirrel Project, Forestry Commission, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The meeting focused on improving collaboration, sharing knowledge and best practices, and exploring ways to record and manage invasive non-native species across Cornwall. We contributed to discussions on potential projects, mapping, volunteer engagement, and funding opportunities, and are keen to remain involved in future forums and initiatives.
SWLT CORNWALL
INVASIVE SPECIES FORUM
The Devon Invasive Species Initiative (DISI) is a local programme in Devon that works to manage and reduce the impact of invasive non-native species. It brings together councils, conservation groups, and volunteers to monitor, control, and raise awareness of harmful species like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and American mink. By coordinating efforts and sharing guidance, DISI helps protect Devon’s native wildlife and habitats from ecological disruption.
