19 June 2015

Hertfordshire simulated game day raises funds for wildlife research

The simulated shoot at Hatfield House was won by a Hertfordshire-based team, including (l to r) Nicholas Buxton, David de Boinville and Henry Holland Hibbert. Photocredit: Richard Washbrooke Photography / www.richardwashbrooke.photoshelter.comA simulated game day at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire has raised £41,000 for leading wildlife research charity, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The event took place on Friday 22 May. A total of 21 teams shot five flurries around the beautiful Hatfield Estate including clays to simulate grouse, high pheasants, woodcock and snipe, duck and rabbits. There was strong local county support from teams as well as surrounding counties, and even two teams from the USA!

The Hatfield event raised £41,000 for GWCT research (pictured: competitor Hannah Wells). Photocredit: Richard Washbrooke Photography / www.richardwashbrooke.photoshelter.comDespite this international presence, the winners were a Hertfordshire-based team – Henry Holland Hibbert, John Verulam, David de Boinville and Nicholas Buxton – who won a magnum of Gosset champagne and GWCT tumbler each.

Following the morning’s shooting, guests had a champagne reception on the lawn outside the Old Palace, hosted by GWCT president Lord Salisbury. Afterwards, guests had lunch in the Old Palace with an auction and prize giving. The event’s main sponsors were Savills and Boodle Hatfield.  Other sponsors included NFU Mutual, Saffery Champness, Kingdom & Wylde, Laird Hatters, Gosset Champagne, Hunter Boots, Loch Fyne Oysters and McMullens.

For more information about future Hertfordshire GWCT events please contact Gay Wilmot-Smith on 07501 064828 or by email at gwilmotsmith@gwct.org.uk.

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Photocaption: The simulated shoot at Hatfield House was won by a Hertfordshire-based team, including (l to r) Nicholas Buxton, David de Boinville and Henry Holland Hibbert. Photocredit: Richard Washbrooke Photography / www.richardwashbrooke.photoshelter.com.


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