A Boon for Grey Partridge!

Farmers and landowners in the Durham and Northern Dales have been urged by The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust to become involved in grey partridge conservation in order to secure the future of this massively declining farmland bird. 

As an incentive to get involved in partridge conservation, the Trust awards a prestigious annual grey partridge trophy, sponsored by Gray’s Chartered Surveyors, to the farm or estate that has done most to help restore this iconic species in the region. The Trust is delighted to announce that the 2010 winner is John Boon, a farmer from near Beamish in County Durham.

The judges were particularly impressed by John’s attention to detail in providing year round habitat whilst also supporting his growing population of grey partridges with targeted predator control and supplementary feeding through to late May. 

John Boon said “I have for a long time taken an interest in grey partridge and am passionate about conserving this iconic farmland bird so was delighted to receive this trophy.  Within the constraints of the farm’s situation and the farming cycle I do what I can with the help of David Robinson my part-time keeper and so it was particularly pleasing to see several good broods of greys last year.”

The magnificent trophy was presented to John Boon by Phil Scott-Priestley of Gray’s Chartered Surveyors.   Phil commented, “It has been a pleasure to visit John’s farm and see the lengths he has gone to help restore grey partridges. He is clearly passionate about his greys and it is fantastic to see his hard work and dedication rewarded with the trophy.”

Henrietta Appleton, of the Trust’s Advisory service and one of the judges, explains, “John proves how it is possible to run a commercially viable farm whilst providing key habitats for the conservation of the grey partridge and other farmland wildlife.  It’s just a question of putting in that extra bit of effort, even on a part-time basis.  We are very keen to encourage more farmers and landowners like John to join the local group, and will be holding our next meeting on 23rd June on Cliffe Estates near Piercebridge.  Attending this event means they could be next year’s trophy winner!”

The Durham & Northern Dales Grey Partridge group, which was launched four years ago, has been good news for wild grey partridges in the region.  Having suffered a catastrophic 87 per cent decline nationally in the last 40 years, this local group plays a crucial role in the recovery of grey partridges regionally. 

The group meeting on 23 June is aimed at farmers and landowners wishing to do their bit to save this once-common bird.  It is also an opportunity to socialise and share knowledge with other partridge enthusiasts.

This informative event will focus on the provision of year round habitat using agri-environment schemes with reference to the Campaign for the Farmed Environment too.  The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is jointly holding this event with the Trust, which will start at 5 pm and will end with a delicious BBQ or similar.  For further details on the meeting or to book a place, please visit the Trust’s website at www.gwct.uk/greypartridgemeetings. Alternatively, phone Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013

Photocaption: The Durham & Northern Dales Grey Partridge group, set up by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, which was launched four years ago, has been good news for wild grey partridges in the region

END

Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. We employ 14 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming and statistics.  We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.   The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For Information, contact
Morag Walker, Head of Media
Telephone: 01425-652381
Direct:  01425-651000
Mobile: 07736-124097