TWO well-known members of GWCT staff say they are honoured and privileged to have been nominated for the 2020 Great British Shooting Awards.
Dr Andrew Hoodless and Austin Weldon are shortlisted in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Conservation.
As of head of wetland research, Andrew has been recognised for his pioneering work on woodcock among other wading birds over his many years at GWCT.
He said: “Wow, I wasn't expecting that, but it's great to know that people are enthusiastic about our research and listening to the messages we put out.”
“It's certainly something I get a sense of through correspondence and when out and about in the field.
“We know that effective conservation comes from engagement with people on the ground and employing the best knowledge available. Our science aims to raise awareness by providing the facts, but to also point the way to workable, long-term practices.”
Austin Weldon, Game & Wildlife Advisor for central England at the Trust, spends a lot of time running the shoot at our Allerton Project in Leicestershire, offering game management to shoots across the country and is a familiar face on shoot walks.
“Good game management has been well-proven by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to deliver significant benefits for wildlife in the British countryside,” said Austin.
“I am very fortunate that my advisory role involves delivering the findings of GWCT’s research and this takes me far and wide, giving me the opportunity to work with inspirational people who are passionate about wildlife.
“I am delighted to have been nominated for this award, but this really reflects of the marvellous work the GWCT does.”
The other nominees in that category are David Livesey, Sporting Rifle Magazine and The Pace Brothers.
You can vote for Austin and Andrew here https://www.futureevents.uk/greatbritishshootingawards/vote
Voting CLOSES on December 31st 2019.
The winner of this category, and the other 13 groups, will be announced the British Shooting Show on February 15th 2020, which is being held at the NEC, Birmingham.