RICHARD Negus has raised £2,200 towards the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) vital research into an endangered species, the grey partridge.
He embarked on a 65-mile hike across the Suffolk Coastal Path with his family and GWCT’s head of advisory services Dr Roger Draycott and regional organiser Lizzie Herring.
They started the arduous journey on May 3rd at Felixstowe and finished 72 hours later in Lowestoft on Sunday May 5th.
“It was tough, but hugely rewarding,” said Richard, who lives in Finningham, Suffolk.
“To have the support of my family, friends and GWCT staff was absolutely incredible and made the experience a whole lot easier and enjoyable. We had a laugh along the way, while raising some crucial funds for a species in need of help.”
The money raised will help support the iconic gamebird bird through the Trust’s Partridge Count Scheme (PCS). The count, which started in 1933, 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.
The GWCT formed 15 regional partridge groups to provide focus on the plight of the grey partridge and offer solutions to their recovery.
Across the country, these groups offer events and farm walks to provide updates on the partridge counts, our wider partridge research and face-to-face advice on how to manage land effectively to encourage wild partridges.
Dr Draycott said: “We are hugely grateful for Richard’s support of GWCT’s work. Last year he raised funds for curlews and this year for grey partridges – both iconic birds of the British countryside and in much need of our help.
“Richard’s endeavours will ensure the GWCT can continue to undertake research and provide practical advice for land managers looking after these species.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Richard and help him reach his target of £2,500, visit www.gwct.org.uk/negus
Sponsor Richard >
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