RICHARD Negus is taking on a gruelling 65-mile hike across the Suffolk Coastal Path to raise funds for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
His 72-hour journey will start on Friday May 3rd at Felixstowe where he will walk 31 miles before stopping overnight in Dunwhich Heath.
He will then start the second part of his walk and cross the finish line at the south pier in Lowestoft 34 miles later on Sunday May 5th.
Supporting Richard throughout the epic challenge is his wife Clare, cocker spaniel Mabel and GWCT’s head of advisory services Roger Draycott and regional organiser Lizzie Herring.
“It’s an immense challenge, I know, but one I’m really looking forward to doing for an extremely worthy cause,” said Richard, who lives in Finningham, Suffolk.
Proceeds raised from the walk will go towards the GWCT’s research into the grey partridge, a species in decline.
This is done through the Partridge Count Scheme (PCS) - a count which started in 1933 and collects information on the annual abundance and breeding success of grey partridges.
It calls on farmers, gamekeepers and land managers to record the numbers they see, and the results will offer a valuable insight into how well your partridges breed, survive and benefit from your habitat and management provision.
He added: “The grey partridge is of conservation concern so that’s why I’ve chosen to raise money for GWCT again.
“The funds raised will go towards supporting the GWCT's work in the conservation of the iconic gamebird and will be used to promote the PCS.”
Richard, who writes for Shooting Times and is a hedgelayer, likes a fundraising mission, having previously completed the London Marathon and more recently the Northumberland Coastal Path where he raised £2,500 for GWCT’s Action for Curlew Campaign.
He’s hoping to emulate that amount this time round.
Anyone wishing to join in the coastal path challenge for all, or part of the route, would be welcomed (along with their dogs). Richard is taking the opportunity to litter pick as he goes in a bid to clean up our stunning coastlines.
To join Richard, email rnegus71@gmail.com or you can donate at www.gwct.org.uk/negus
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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