A new fundraising initiative by Eat Wild and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – Fiver for the Future - has been hailed a success by raising £3,000 simply by asking guests at shooting schools to donate £5 at the end of their lessons.
The campaign saw 13 shooting grounds and schools across the country actively take part and promote the initiative from September to December. Among them were Holland & Holland, Coleys, West London Shooting School, Bisley, Hownhall Shooting, Barbury, Grimsthorpe, Oxfordshire Shooting School, and Purdey at the Royal Berkshire.
Eat Wild and the GWCT are both fighting for the future of Fieldsports. Eat Wild’s mission is to ensure that every bird shot enters the food chain by opening up new markets for game and reaching out to and educating new consumers, while the GWCT conducts scientific research that directly influences government policy and promotes game and wildlife management as an essential part of nature conservation.
The funds raised through Fiver for the Future are being shared equally between the GWCT and Eat Wild to enable them both to continue their work and ensure that this cherished traditional activity is preserved for the future.
They are planning to run Fiver for the Future again this year, in the hope that more organisations will come onboard to help spread awareness of the GWCT and the important research and work that the Trust does for wildlife conservation, game management and nature recovery.
Based on number of instructors managing to raise funds, the top fundraisers were Holland & Holland Shooting Ground who won lunch at The Harwood Arms in London, and Coley’s, who won lunch at Chez Roux at The Langham, London.
Sarah Gulak, of Eat Wild, remarked: “We would like to thank all those who embraced the initiative to help Eat Wild and GWCT continue their work in supporting the positive aspects of game management.”
Vanessa Steel, of GWCT, said: “I was delighted the initiative was so well received. Not only does it bring people together in support of our traditions, but it also ensures that the vital work of promoting game, wildlife management, and ethical shooting continues for generations to come.
“I am sure when we launch the 2025 Fiver for the Future, every ground in the UK will wish to participate.”
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 more than 60 post-doctoral scientists and 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.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk