27 November 2013

Sussex Fabulous Four raises the stakes for wildlife charity

The head keepers of the Fabulous Four shoots at the launch of the raffle at Knepp Castle. Left to right: Rob Smallman (Cocking Shoot), John Newton (Goodwood Estate), Phillip Harkness (Springhead Estate) and Len Ireland (Angmering Park). Photo credit: Helen TinnerKnepp Castle was the celebrated venue for the recent launch of a prestigious 'Fabulous Four Raffle', which aims to raise a staggering £40,000 for wildlife research.

This spectacular raffle is being organised by the Sussex Committee of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), a leading UK research charity. The top prize in the raffle is a day's shooting for eight guns on four of the most celebrated shoots in the country - Goodwood, Springhead, Cocking and Angmering Park. The winning team will be chauffeur-driven from shoot to shoot in cars provided by Harwoods on a date in  December 2014, with lunch provided at a leading local eating establishment. The day will end with tea at The Dover Barn, Angmering Park for guns, keepers, organisers and sponsors. The winners will receive a unique and memorable experience that money simply cannot buy!

The GWCT aim to raise a total of £50,000 from raffle ticket sales, with 20% of the total going towards other important local charities chosen specially by the owners of the four shoots.

The raffle was launched at a drinks party at Knepp Castle in West Sussex, home of Sir Charles and Lady Isabella Burrell. Sir Charles is a lifelong supporter of the GWCT, and has recently helped fund GWCT research on the fascinating migration of woodcock - one of our most elusive bird species. The Knepp Castle estate has a low-key wild game shoot alongside its re-wilding project, which is enhancing biodiversity over an area of land that had been intensively farmed for generations. The Trust is extremely grateful to Sir Charles, to the sponsors - Savills, Lycetts, Sotheby's, Smith & Williamson, Harwoods and Berry Bros. & Rudd - and particularly to the four shoots for their generosity and support.

A ticket for eight guns costs £200 and numbers are strictly limited to 250. For more details please contact the committee chairman Tom Bodley Scott by email at t.bodley.scott@batchellermonkhouse.com or by phone on 01892 509282.

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Photocaption: The head keepers of the Fabulous Four shoots at the launch of the raffle at Knepp Castle. Left to right: Rob Smallman (Cocking Shoot), John Newton (Goodwood Estate), Phillip Harkness (Springhead Estate) and Len Ireland (Angmering Park). Photo credit: Helen Tinner.


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