SUE EVANS has been appointed director at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Cymru.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to extend the GWCT’s role in Wales," said Ms Evans, whose head office is in Cardiff, but will be mainly operating from mid-Wales. "I believe that a science-based approach will be greatly welcomed."

Sue has been assisting the charity on Welsh policy since September, and has recently provided written evidence to Natural Resources Wales towards its review of the “Use of Shooting on land managed by Natural Resources Wales”.

“I am passionate about Wales and believe that farmers, gamekeepers and others working on the ground are the ones who can deliver the best outcomes for conservation in the UK,” she said.

GWCT Cymru chairman, Nick Williams, said: "When it comes to robust conservation research and policy, Wales is not having the influence it could or should have in UK terms.

“When we look at what our country has to offer, it is beholden upon us to make sure we change that. Sue's appointment is our commitment to help ensure Wales starts punching above its weight.”

Some of the events planned include three shoot walks with head of education Mike Swan, providing an opportunity to explore game management and how habitat and predator management along with careful feeding and release strategies can produce pheasant and partridge shooting along with improved biodiversity.

Other GWCT work in Wales includes satellite-tagging woodcock, as well as previously joining forces with the Country Land and Business Association and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to secure £250,000 for two large scale moorland restoration projects.

Sue added: “It’s great to be working with experts who are not only focused on the beautiful Welsh mountains, moors and lowlands but also have the expertise to help increase the numbers of fish stock in our rivers with improved aquatic and riparian biodiversity which is particularly necessary after recent pollution incidents in rivers.”

GWCT chief executive, Teresa Dent, said: “At a time when the countryside, conservation, country sports, rural policy and practice are facing big changes, in the light of Brexit, it is vital that we work more closely with our members and partner organisations.”