Gamekeepers urged to take part in CRRU rodenticide survey

Gamekeepers are being urged to take part in a national survey of how rodenticides are used in the countryside, run by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU). The three-yearly survey helps shape the UK’s rodenticide stewardship regime and comes as tighter certification rules for professional users take effect this year.

What is the CRRU survey?

CRRU carries out a knowledge, attitudes and practice survey of professional rodenticide users every three years, as part of its commitment to government. The survey is split across three sectors: gamekeeping, agriculture and professional pest control. It takes about 20 minutes to complete, and there is a free prize draw for each sector as a thank you to those who take part.

Why does it matter for gamekeepers?

Rats are a year-round problem on a shoot, around release pens, feed rides and grain and feed stores. Rodenticides remain essential in certain circumstances, and the survey is how the gamekeeping sector’s practice is measured and reported back to government.

A strong response from keepers matters. The stewardship regime is a self-regulatory arrangement that keeps professional products available to trained users; demonstrating responsible use through the survey helps protect that access and heads off the case for tighter statutory control. It also feeds the wider effort to reduce residues of rodenticides in non-target wildlife such as barn owls, red kites and buzzards.

What is changing in 2026?

From 1 January 2026, everyone buying or using professional second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) products must hold a stewardship training certificate less than five years old, or an older certificate together with membership of an approved continuing professional development scheme. In practice that means keepers must be able to show current competency at the point of sale.

CRRU has also updated its “Rat Control and Game Management” guidance for keepers, produced with input from BASC, the GWCT, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association.

How can gamekeepers take part?

The survey is open now and can be completed online in about 20 minutes. Gamekeepers who use rodenticides in their work are encouraged to respond so the sector is properly represented in the results.

Read more and take part: details of the survey and the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime are on the CRRU website at thinkwildlife.org.