September’s gamekeeper of the month is Michael Walton. Michael is head ‘keeper at Catton Park Estate.
What is Year of the Gamekeeper?
2020 is the Year of the Gamekeeper. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of gamekeepers; what they do, how they support UK agriculture and the role they play in conservation.
Led by the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust (GWT), BASC will be attempting to fundraise £220,000 by the end of 2020. This funding provides support to gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their families in times of hardship, ill health and retirement.
Each month BASC will profiling a UK gamekeeper and their story.
Show your support to UK gamekeepers by making a donation to the Year of the Gamekeeper.
Donate here
Our next Gamekeeper of the Month is head keeper Ian Sleightholm from Bolton Castle estate. Ian talks about the reasons behind his decision to become a keeper, what he loves about his profession the most and why he would encourage the young generation to consider a career in gamekeeping.
Raymond is the first gamekeeper to be employed by The Kennel Club. He is responsible for turning Emblehope and Burngrange Estate into a “training centre of excellence for working dogs”.
Geoff has been a gamekeeper for many years. When he is not spending quality time with his granddaughter, Geoff is pigeon or clay shooting.
Mark Howard is our May gamekeeper of the month. Read his story.
Stephen has been a gamekeeper for most of his life. He has a passion for the outdoors, conservation and animal welfare.
Richard is the senior beatkeeper at Crag Estate and coordinator of the Peak District Moorland Group. He has grown up in fieldsports and has a passion for the countryside.
Lily studied her level three Advanced Technical Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management at Newton Rigg College.
Liam is the headkeeper at Millichope Park and national chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation. He has a lifetime of experience as a gamekeeper and a passion for the countryside, particularly protecting the unique species in South Shropshire.
News
2nd April 2020
Supporting gamekeepers in their hour of need
How many of us rely on the efforts of the small army of ‘Custodians of the Countryside’ for our sport? Ex-keeper Steve Bloomfield investigates…
8th October 2019
Save the Date: Countryside Clay Shoot 2020 announced
Being held in support of 2020 Year of the Gamekeeper – a fundraising initiative for the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust.
10th September 2019
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust “ladies pack”
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust has launched a free “ladies packs” designed for the partners of gamekeepers.
This pack aims to support those who work independently to support gamekeepers; looking after children and upholding many jobs during the shooting season or stalking season.
In some instances, gamekeeper families will regularly have to relocate while still supporting their partners in a stressful environment with long hours and often few holidays.
The packs contain support and information on physical and mental health, and where to find help when required on a variety of issues which can affect both the keeper, partner and family.
The packs are free and can be ordered online here www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com.
For more information, you can contact GWT on enquiries@thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com or 01677 470180.
Background image by Nick Ridley
