05 February 2015

Countryside enthusiast retires from education post

Alex Towns (left) at his retiral presentation with Dr Adam Smith, GWCT Director ScotlandAberfeldy man Alex Towns hung up his Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) boots last month (Monday 26 January) when he retired from the post of education and events assistant with GWCT Scotland.

For eight years, Alex has ably represented the GWCT at a number of national events such the Royal Highland Show and Highland Field Sports Fair, often accompanied and assisted by his wife Anne.

He developed the charity’s programme of school visits to sporting estates and used his in-depth knowledge of gamekeeping to provide educational and enjoyable outings for dozens of schoolchildren. He also managed their highly successful ‘Wee Beasties’ education marquee at the Scottish Game Fair.

Alex – a former English teacher at Breadalbane Academy - has a superb understanding of what and how children should be educated in game and wildlife management.

Head of PR and education with GWCT Katrina Candy said: “With an unsurpassed ability to identify the ‘less than interested’ in a school group, Alex quickly brought these children into the fold and ensured everyone - teachers and parents included - learned more about their environment and  returned home after an enjoyable and informative day.

“Alex has helped educate hundreds of children via the Royal Highland Show, our own Scottish Game Fair and many school visits and he will be missed from the team here in Scotland. We wish him a full and happy retirement – which will no doubt involve plenty of country pursuits!”

GWCT Director Scotland Adam Smith presented Alex with a bronze of two labradors and his wife Anne with a bouquet of flowers at the charity’s offices near Perth.

END

Photocaption: Alex Towns (left) at his retiral presentation with Dr Adam Smith, GWCT Director Scotland.


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. 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:

Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com