A talk in London by a world-renowned wildlife artist has been deemed a triumph, and helped raise vital funds for the scientific research of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
The event, headlined by the celebrated Cambridgeshire-based William Garfit, took place on the evening of Tuesday 11 June 2013 at the Royal Air Force club. Around 70 guests were present and were hugely entertained by the artist's witty anecdotes and hilarious reminiscences. Drinks were held both before and after the talks and auction so that there was a chance for guests to really meet Mr Garfit properly and hear more from such a fascinating speaker. As well as a celebrated career as a wildlife and landscape artist that spans five decades, he is also one of the country's top shots and has won awards for a 70-acre shoot, fishery and wildlife reserve that he developed from a disused gravel pit in Cambridgeshire.
The GWCT's Senior Conservation Scientist, Francis Buner spoke next, and presented a hugely entertaining account of the trials and tribulations of being a scientist, often working in challenging and unpredictable conditions. This insight into the practicalities of GWCT research went down well with the guests. The Trust is the UK's leading wildlife research charity, with recent high profile work including reports on Atlantic salmon populations, black grouse, and the brown hare.
Following the talks, a small auction was conducted by Ted Clive of Christie's. Lots ranged from stalking to fishing to tweed vests, and the generous bidding from the guests rendered this entire evening a huge success, raising £13,000 for the Trust. The GWCT would like to extend their thanks to Will Garfit, Francis Buner, Ted Clive, James Maunder-Taylor - who brought the whole evening together - and all those who so kindly donated to the auction.
The GWCT are already planning a similar event next year, in order to raise funds to research one of the UK's most elusive and beguiling birds, the woodcock. Andrew Hoodless, the Trust's Head of Wetland Research said, "The GWCT’s Woodcock Migration project has produced many new insights into the extraordinary travels of this amazing bird, but funds are required to complete the satellite tracking programme and to study winter site fidelity and cold weather susceptibility." For further information please contact Lucy Pearson at lpearson@gwct.org.uk or by phone on 020 7290 0110.
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Photocaption: Dr Francis Buner (2nd left) and Will Garfit (far right), pictured with two highly-entertained guests at the talk on 11 June.
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