Reaching a Higher Level for Grey Partridge

This year’s inaugural winner of the Cumbria and North Lancashire Grey Partridge Group Trophy has been awarded to James Carr, Chairman of this regional group in recognition of his grey partridge conservation work.

On receiving the engraved glass bowl trophy James said “I am delighted to be the first recipient of this trophy but our progress would not have been possible without the effort put in by my gamekeeper, Mick Oliver, and the ability to receive funding through the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme administered by Natural England.”

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Grey Partridge Trophy is awarded to a farm or estate that contributes most to the Trust’s Partridge Count Scheme.  The judging team comprised Henrietta Appleton of the Trust and John Bowman of Natural England who both felt that James successfully addressed the management requirements of grey partridge.   

John Bowman of Natural England said ‘’James has a wonderful enthusiasm for wildlife and his efforts for grey partridge conservation on his farm has achieved fantastic results.  Latest data for Cumbria reveals that across the county grey partridge numbers have declined by over 80% since the 1970’s and James’ success has shown what can be achieved when the correct management is put in place.’’

Henrietta Appleton of the Trust said, “The increase in the grey partridge population at Moorhouse Hall has come about as a result of the introduction of a mosaic of habitat types across the farm supported by predator control and supplementary feeding.   James is a member of our Partridge Count Scheme and each year submits spring and Autumn counts.  We would be delighted if more farmers, keepers and landowners were interested in signing up to this scheme as the data we collect nationally goes to help prove to Government that game interests are actively assisting with the conservation of the grey partridge and other farmland birds”. 

The Cumbria and North Lancashire Group is holding a farm walk on 22 September at Brackenburgh Estate (by kind permission of John Harris Esq) starting at 4pm.  This event is being run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in combination with the CLA and costs £12 per person (including light refreshments). For more information please ring Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013 or visit www.gwct.org.uk/courses

For more details on the Partridge Count Scheme please contact Neville Kingdon on 01425 651066.

Photocaption:  James Carr, The winner of the Yorkshire and North Lancashire Grey Partridge Group Trophy who is boosting numbers of this declining bird across the region. 

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
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