DEVON Wildlife Trust has seen its number of insurance claims dive since beginning driver training, including special off-road and trailer towing tuition, with IAM Fleet Training. With many of the Trust's staff called upon to tow exhibition trailers and drive 4x4s through tough off-road terrain on its 35 nature reserves, a specially tailored training programme was vital.

Director of operations John Ford said it had already paid off by ensuring the Trust was taking every possible step to keep staff safe at work - and by saving money. He said: 'In the 20 months prior to beginning the training in April 1996 we were making an insurance claim every six weeks. In the 15 months following the training we have made just one claim as a result of driver error. We can offer no other explanation than that this is the direct result of driver training.'

All new employees now undergo training if they are expected to drive as part of their job and refresher courses are held, particularly for those who drive high mileages or whose driving needs to change.