05 June 2017

Allerton Project Celebrates its 25th Anniversary!

A highly-successful demonstration farm that carries out innovative research is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an open day.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project is marking the special occasion with a series of farm walks on Wednesday, June 28. 

The open day provides an opportunity for guests to see the environmental integration research at Loddington, Leicestershire. 

Head of the Allerton Project, Alastair Leake, said: “We’re immensely proud of the work we do at the Allerton Project and are looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary next month.

“The timed walks give everyone a chance to learn about the variety of work we carry out, from explaining the science behind beetle banks to the zero-till soil management on soil biology, structure and infiltration to the construction of wetlands. We have lots planned and look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible.”

Head of research, professor Chris Stoate, below, said: “The work at Allerton has been ground-breaking.

“We work with farmers and university scientists; with retailers and other conservation charities and our local community. Such broad collaboration has enabled us to address a wide range of agricultural and environmental issues.” Chris -Stoate -and -hemp

Research incorporates zero-till, soil improvement, the effect on predation on farmland birds, pollinators, water quality, cover & catch crops, agroforestry, which all contributes significantly to environmental and agricultural policy.

The education programme includes the BASIS-accredited Certificate in Conservation Management and the Big Farmland Bird Count.

There are eight walks planned on the day, starting at 10.30am and running to 2pm and anyone wishing to join one must book in advance online or by contacting awoolford@gwct.org.uk.

The event is free and refreshments will be provided at the award-winning visitors centre.

The team will be available for interviews.

For more information, contact press@gwct.org.uk or call 01425 651000.

Notes to press

A briefing for all the media will start at 12.30pm and will be hosted by Dr Leake.

All attendees will then be able to take part in the full farm walk.

Those who have a specific interest in one area of the farm will be given the chance to have an extended stop.

Anyone wishing to come should email awoolford@gwct.org.uk in advance.


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