Aspiring young countryside enthusiasts in Northumberland will look forward to their summer holidays this year as leading research charity, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is running an inspiring Young Shooter Day at Northumberland Sporting Clays near Morpeth on Wednesday 24 July.
The GWCT is running several of these popular fun-filled days at locations across the country this summer. The Young Shooters Days are made possible through a small trust fund set up in the memory of Norman Clarke, and 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.
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 life-long pleasures and satisfaction that can be gained from learning and participating more in countryside pursuits. 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 £45 each and include lunch, refreshments, all equipment including guns, and professional instruction. The day will run from 10am to 4pm. For more information or to book places please contact Lynda Ferguson at lferguson@gwct.org.uk or by phone on 01425 651013.
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Photocaption: With the help of decoy geese, Dr Mike Swan introduces 12-15 year olds to conservation and countryside pursuits.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish 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:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk