A sampling device , including: an elongate separating member having a sampling side and a non-sampling side , the elongate separating member being a substantially open frame structure and including at least one separating plate, wherein the elongate separating member has a flat smooth sampling side surface with substantially no enclosed volume along the entire length of the sampling side of the elongate separating member , the elongate separating member having one or more through openings extending from the sampling side to the non-sampling side , the elongate separating member being adapted for insertion into a reservoir of particulate material, thereby to define a sampling zone and a non-sampling zone within the reservoir; a shaft operably associated with the elongate separating member , the shaft being positioned away from the sampling side and rotatable about its longitudinal axis; and one or more sample capturing scoops attached to the shaft so as to be aligned with a respective through opening, the or each scoop having a leading edge , a trailing edge and a cavity for receiving a sample of particulate material; wherein rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis causes a corresponding rotation of the or each scoop between a first position in which the leading edge of the associated scoop is located within the respective through opening such that the through opening is effectively closed and the remainder of the scoop projects away from the sampling side such that the sampling side of the elongate separating member is free of protuberances during insertion into the reservoir, and a second position in which the scoop is positioned on the sampling side and the leading edge of the associated scoop bears against the sampling side of the elongate separating member , thereby to enclose the sample of particulate material by the rotation of the scoop towards the second position. an elongate separating member having a sampling side and a non-sampling side , the elongate separating member being a substantially open frame structure and including at least one separating plate, wherein the elongate separating member has a flat smooth sampling side surface with substantially no enclosed volume along the entire length of the sampling side of the elongate separating member , the elongate separating member having one or more through openings extending from the sampling side to the non-sampling side , the elongate separating member being adapted for insertion into a reservoir of particulate material, thereby to define a sampling zone and a non-sampling zone within the reservoir; a shaft operably associated with the elongate separating member , the shaft being positioned away from the sampling side and rotatable about its longitudinal axis; and one or more sample capturing scoops attached to the shaft so as to be aligned with a respective through opening, the or each scoop having a leading edge , a trailing edge and a cavity for receiving a sample of particulate material; wherein rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis causes a corresponding rotation of the or each scoop between a first position in which the leading edge of the associated scoop is located within the respective through opening such that the through opening is effectively closed and the remainder of the scoop projects away from the sampling side such that the sampling side of the elongate separating member is free of protuberances during insertion into the reservoir, and a second position in which the scoop is positioned on the sampling side and the leading edge of the associated scoop bears against the sampling side of the elongate separating member , thereby to enclose the sample of particulate material by the rotation of the scoop towards the second position. <EOS>