The Duke’s Challenge charity event held at Alnwick in Northumberland has raised an unprecedented £685,000 for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) - the UK’s leading independent wildlife research charity.
Hosted by the Duke of Northumberland within the historical ruins of Hulne Abbey on the Alnwick Estate, the event on 6 June was attended by around 170 guests. They enjoyed clay shooting in the morning, followed by a drinks reception, three-course game-themed lunch and a live auction. Non-shooting guests were treated to a private guided tour of Alnwick Castle and Floral Workshop by Glenn Shaw of Claridge’s Flower School.
The first event of this kind was held at Sandringham in 2023, in memory of the late Duke of Edinburgh, and raised £330,000. It was intended as a one-off but the overwhelming interest from guests led us to create what will be a series of biennial events in support of the GWCT.
For nearly 100 years, the Trust has worked closely with land managers, famers, gamekeepers and estates across the country, offering these ‘working conservationists’ science-based support and advice to enable them to improve wildlife habitats, restore biodiversity and enhance the British countryside.
This work is largely funded by charitable donations and the GWCT’s research covers a wide range of species under threat and habitats, from waders to woodland birds, game management to farmland ecosystems, wild salmon to pollinators.
The Trust’s work demonstrates how sustainable game management can increase biodiversity and aid species recovery and its projects include globally important long-term wildlife monitoring studies.
Earl Percy, Chair of the Committee for the 2025 Duke’s Challenge, said: “Having attended the inaugural event at Sandringham, my father and I were inspired to take on the challenge, to make this an unforgettable day, and do our bit to help the GWCT continue their work.”
“Through science and sound advice the GWCT helps farmers, land managers and conservationists across the UK succeed in their mission, not just to preserve, but also to enhance the great British countryside. No conservation organisation does more to preserve our landscape, our wildlife, and our way of life.”
The live auction, conducted by The Earl of Rosebery, Chairman of Sotheby’s, included a fantastic selection of experiences and sporting opportunities such as tickets to the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, a wine trip to Bordeaux, two-day’s shooting staying at Lilburn Towers and Alnwick Castle hosted by the Duke of Northumberland, and an exclusive Bahrain 2026 Grand Prix experience for two.
A silent auction and raffle also contributed to the record-breaking final figure of £685,000, from income and pledges on the day, funds which will all go towards the continued research and conservation work of the GWCT.
Nick von Westenholz, CEO of GWCT, said: “I feel extremely fortunate to have attended such an amazing event so early in my time here. The tireless efforts put in by the amazing committee, our fundraising team and volunteers have culminated in our most successful event ever.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Earl Percy, who could not have been more dynamic and effective in his role as committee chair, and the Duke of Northumberland, for so generously hosting the day in the grounds of their beautiful home.
“The passion they both share for conservation, and their efforts to preserve our rural landscape and way of life, are clear to see. Alnwick is a working rural landscape where wildlife thrives alongside farming, moorland is carefully managed to support an abundance of species and the River Aln, which flows through the estate, is home to both wild salmon and sea trout.”
“This is the essence of what the GWCT believes in – that wildlife can thrive if we focus on integrating it alongside other land uses.”
Jeremy Payne, the GWCT’s Director of Fundraising, added: “This is a fantastic result, particularly in today’s challenging financial climate which is affecting nearly every other income stream.”
Vanessa Steel, Head of Fundraising for the GWCT, said: “I cannot begin to express my gratitude to all the donors who supplied auction lots and raffle prizes so generously, to Master of Ceremonies Dylan Williams and to all our wonderful guests who spent so enthusiastically on the day.”
“Our sponsors; Lookers, Barbour, Bordeaux Index and Womble Bond Dickinson, who made this event possible in the first place, were instrumental in making this the success it was through their continued and generous support.”
“We now look forward to planning for our next Duke’s Challenge in 2027!”
Alnwick Estate – A haven for conservation
Conservation is close to the Duke of Northumberland’s heart and a range of projects have seen the grounds of Alnwick transformed into a wildlife haven, managed and improved to create a place for nature to thrive in a working rural landscape.
The Ratcheugh wild grey partridge restoration project started with 15 pairs in 2000. Recognising that existing conservation schemes of the time were doing little more for existing grey partridge populations than allowing them to survive, the first move was to improve habitat and over the years the benefits in terms of wildlife and biodiversity have proved immense.
The spring 2024 spring count recorded 521 pairs and the population keeps growing.
However, what has resulted is not just a dramatic increase in grey partridge numbers, but bird counts show populations of many other species have also improved including tree sparrows, yellowhammers, blackbirds, and many more. Brown hare populations have also benefited.
Northumberland is one of the last strongholds of our native red squirrels and Hulne Park at Alnwick is home to a good population. The Duke is a keen supporter of red squirrel conservation work and has launched a levy scheme to encourage landowners to aid conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to report any sighting to Red Squirrels Northern England .
Work to help restore the UK’s declining salmon and eel populations has also been part of the conservation work carried out on the estate with the creation of fish passes on the River Aln to improve breeding opportunities for salmon, sea trout and eels.
Notes to editors:
Thank you to our Stand Sponsors: Arbuthnot Latham, Holland and Holland, Knight Frank, Reiver Travel and Ripp Sporting.
Thank you to all In-Kind Sponsors on the day: Acqua Panna, Barnard & Westwood, Bollinger, By Soren, Château Montlandrie, Doddington Dairy, Domaine Chanson, DukesHill, Eat Wild, Feragaia, Forman & Field, Hattiers Rum, Hawkstone Brewery, Hepple Gin, Hicks & Brown, H.R Higgins, Laporte, London Scribes, Lookers, Luscombe, Northumbria Helicopters, San Pellegrino, Taylor’s Port, The Chocolate Detective and The Pickle House.
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 more information, images or to arrange an interview please contact:
Eleanor Williams
ewilliams@gwct.org.uk
07592 025476