GWCT share scientific research with guests at Honorary Fellows Day

By Joel Holt, GWCT communications officer

THE Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) shared a selection of its expert scientific research at the well-attended Honorary Fellows Event.

Held at the headquarters in Fordingbridge, the day was attended by people who have expressed an interest in leaving money for the Trust in their will.

Five scientists delivered engaging presentations to the 15 guests who had travelled far and wide across the country to attend. There was also a welcome talk from chief executive Teresa Dent.

The presentations included Ryan Burrell’s talk on the Sussex study and the work internationally-recognised ecologist Dick Potts did in aiding the recovery of grey partridge numbers there.  

Predation expert Jonathan Reynolds spoke about traps and trapping, Lucy Capstick gave a fascinating overview of her PhD on magpies, while Peter Thompson, our biodiversity advisor, delivered a talk on Farmer Clusters, an initiative started by GWCT.

Professor Nick Sotherton, director of research and advisory, summed up the event by looking ahead to GWCT in the future and discussed the charity’s unique selling points, including applied research, fieldwork expertise and long-term databases.

After the talks, scientists were on hand to answer a range of questions from the guests.

Organiser James Swyer said: “The day provided our Honorary Fellows the chance to learn about some of the key projects the Trust is involved in and what can be achieved when our research is put into practice.

“the support and loyalty shown by our Honorary Fellows allows us to plan for the vitally-important science which underpins sustainable conservation practice for future generations.

“We have already received positive feedback on the event and several people commented on what a privilege it was to hear about the work we are doing directly from those who are making it happen.”

For more information on legacy giving, please visit www.gwct.org.uk/legacies.