03 May 2017

Time to enter project for Purdey Awards

A wide range of game conservation projects across the country are being judged at the prestigious 2017 Purdey Awards.

Judges are looking to recognise and reward the most outstanding shoot and habitat improvement projects and the deadline for entries is Monday, May 22.

Entries are welcome from all sizes or types of game bird shooPurdey Awardsts, whether all wild or partly wild, or reared and released. They can be submitted by the owner, keeper, or a syndicate, farm, estate, club and wildfowling association.

Ideally, each shoot will demonstrate a strong link with its local community and explain how the countryside and conservation benefits from its activities.

In particular, judges are looking for clear vision, sound execution and genuine results, taking into consideration the available resources, so anyone can win, irrespective of size or budget; this is not just about big shoots.

Consultant to the judges Mike Swan, who is head of education at Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), says the awards are an excellent way to recognise some of the great work being done in the British countryside.

“As always, it’s an honour to assist the judges in assessing some stand-out projects from all over the UK,” said Dr Swan.

“There was a good crop of entries last year and are urging those who haven’t already entered to submit their projects before it’s too late.

“There are some substantial cash prizes to be won too, so hurry and enter!”

The awards, which have been running since 1999, take place in London in November at a ceremony held in Purdey’s Long Room, Mayfair.

There are cash prizes totalling £15,000 for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award winners as well as Special Awards recognising outstanding individual achievement.

Additionally, up to five on site advisory visits from the GWCT will be awarded each year.

To be eligible to enter, all shoots must comply with the Code of Good Shooting Practice.

To apply, download the entry form here. Once completed, you can email it to advisory@gwct.org.uk or post to Purdey Awards Assessment, The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1EF.

For more information, email purdey.awards@purdey.com or call 020 7499 1801.


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