Fun-packed countryside training days for youngsters

Aspiring young countryside enthusiasts will look forward to their summer holidays this year as leading research charity, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is once again running a country-wide series of inspiring Young Shooter Days, which are specially tailored to suit boys and girls aged 12 to 15 with a keen interest in developing their knowledge and skills in countryside pursuits.

These popular fun-filled days, have been made possible through a small trust fund set up in the memory of Norman Clarke, and will be held in four locations across the country during the school summer holidays, including Scotland, North Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Shropshire.

Dr Mike Swan, head of education with the GWCT said, “These action-packed days have been specially designed to introduce the next generation to the joys and thrills of the countryside. The emphasis is very much on outdoor activities with an opportunity to shoot a few clays under expert professional guidance.  As well as offering insight on many of our fascinating game species the day also highlights some of the practical conservation techniques used in the modern countryside.  We also include some challenging fieldcraft activities and many of the skills they learn during the day will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Places cost £40 each and include lunch, refreshments, all equipment and professional instruction.  Days are being held at:

• Scotland – Monday 16th July at Mavis Hall Park Shooting School, Humbie, East Lothian
• North Yorkshire – Thursday 26th July at Cottondale Shooting Ground,  Staxton, near Scarborough,
• Leicestershire – Wednesday 1st August at the GWCT’s Allerton Project, Loddington, Leicestershire
• Shropshire – early August – Leighton Hall, Leighton, Shrewesbury.

The GWCT is enormously grateful to the Norman Clarke Fund, which has provided funding for this series of courses for youngsters.  Normal Clarke was a popular shooting instructor for Holland & Holland.

For more details or to book a place, please contact: Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013.

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