Once found in abundant flocks across Britain's farmland, grey partridges are now largely confined to areas where land managers actively create the conditions they need to thrive. Rebuilding populations requires a carefully balanced approach - providing suitable nesting cover, abundant insect-rich habitat for chicks and effective predator management. Delivering all of this within a productive modern farming landscape takes long-term commitment, which is why successful recovery projects are so worthy of recognition.
Celebrating success in grey partridge conservation
Although the grey partridge has suffered significant declines, it is encouraging that populations can recover when the right management (following GWCT advice) is put in place. Each year the Grey Partridge Trophies recognise the estates, farms and shoots leading the way in restoring this iconic farmland bird.
Awarded annually, the trophies recognise the estate, farm or shoot that has made the most significant contribution to grey partridge conservation. They also aim to encourage farmers and landowners to take an active role in monitoring, managing and safeguarding the species.
GWCT Cotswold Grey Partridge Trophy 2026
Congratulations to George Ponsonby, winner of the 2026 GWCT Cotswold Grey Partridge Trophy. The trophy was presented at Calmsden Farms following a tour of the grey partridge recovery project, hosted by Mark and Jane Tufnell.
Mark Tufnell, Niall Wright
The judges were impressed by the way grey partridge recovery has been successfully integrated within a productive farming enterprise. Particular praise was given to the high-quality floristically enhanced field margins and beetle bank habitats, which are providing valuable resources for wildlife.
George explained that “the more you put in the more you get out – we are constantly trying to improve the habitat for the grey partridges and the insects they rely on. I find that if you leave habitat down for too long, it can go a little bit stale and needs freshening up by replanting, so we try to refresh 15-20% each year. In our flower margins (AB8) for example can become infested with couch grasses, docks and thistles which dominate over the floral diversity. This can take some serious investment to get the seed mix right, and regularly need reseeding. Meanwhile, in our kale strips (AB9), we’ve found that including fennel, chicory and teasle can help persuade the mix to last three or even four years from two – this can make all the difference financially.”
George added that in this climate “rotating your hedge cutting one in four years not only makes sense in terms of investment and government subsides, it also gives the partridges and insects somewhere to hide and get cool – so get them as big as you can!”
The shoot's success is underpinned by the dedication and expertise of gamekeeper Niall Wright, whose passion for the conservation and development of the grey partridge population was evident throughout.
The GWCT congratulates George, Niall and everyone involved in this outstanding conservation effort. The Cotswold Grey Partridge Trophy is generously sponsored by Calmsden Farms.
Jas. Martin & Co. Lincolnshire Grey Partridge Trophy 2026
Congratulations to R H-J (Farms) Ltd, winner of the 2026 Jas. Martin & Co. Lincolnshire Grey Partridge Trophy. The trophy was presented for the twentieth time on the CLA stand at the Lincolnshire Show on Wednesday 17 June.
Gavin Lane, Robert Stamp, Alistair Hall-Jones
The judges were particularly impressed by R H-J (Farms) Ltd's dedication to grey partridge conservation alongside the demands of a busy and successful farming enterprise. Their commitment to creating and maintaining suitable habitat, coupled with a clear focus on long-term population recovery, demonstrated how effective conservation can be successfully integrated into a productive farming operation.
The GWCT extends its congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding achievement.