Practical training fund is open for new applications

Funding is now available in England for practical training courses, including deerstalking qualifications. Individuals who live or work in England may be eligible to apply for funding to cover the full cost of attending practical training courses in forestry and arboriculture. This includes Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 and 2. 

A grant to cover 100% of the course funding is available for individuals considering a change of career or seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture. Training must be completed by 31 March 2025, using one of the pre-registered training providers, and retrospective funding will not be awarded. 

Six-times UK Pro Stalker of the Year Chris Dalton told ST: “This is great news and an excellent initiative — I have had many conversations with folk over the years, who for the most part have had to fund deer management training themselves, so any assistance can only be a good thing, especially if it helps bring some new blood into the sector. I hope this will be rolled out across the remainder of the UK and Scotland in particular.”