From the very best shooting and fishing experiences to luxury breaks and the chance to shadow leading scientists on their fieldwork, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Big Online Auction offers something for everyone to enjoy.
The Big Online Auction features more than 40 lots, many of which are unique and not available to the general public, all of which can be viewed here. Bidding is open until 12pm on Sunday 24 October. The auction caters for a range of budgets, from shooting days with starting bids of £10,000 to a carriage driving experience with one of the Queen’s coachmen with bids from £40 upwards.
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The star lot is a 250-bird mixed pheasant and partridge day for eight guns at the renowned Salperton Park in January 2022. This classic estate is nestled in the Cotswolds, with undulating topography boasting many thrilling drives to test the most accomplished shots.
Shooting enthusiasts can also bid on the chance for a single peg on a 100-150-bird day at the prestigious Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, a walked-up day at the Longdon Shoot near Upton on Severn and a day’s shooting for one gun on a 200-bird, mixed pheasant and partridge day in the Chalke Valley.
All proceeds support the work of the GWCT, which undertakes research and provides conservation advice across the UK. The inaugural Big Online Auction launched in 2020, following the difficulty in arranging in-person auctions during lockdown. Having raised £118,000 in testing times, the GWCT decided to run another online auction this year.
“Last year’s Big Online Auction saw much-needed support at a time when fundraising activities were cancelled or on hold,” says Jeremy Payne, Director of Fundraising at the GWCT. “We are hoping to build on this support and give people the chance to experience some wonderful and unique opportunities. All proceeds will support the GWCT’s vital conservation science, working to improve the biodiversity of the British countryside for the public benefit.”
Those passionate about the organisation’s scientific research can experience it first-hand, with lots giving the chance to accompany GWCT’s conservation scientist and grey partridge expert Francis Buner on a wild grey partridge count or spend a night ringing woodcock with GWCT Head of Research Andrew Hoodless and research assistant Chris Heward, both of whom are woodcock experts.
For fishermen and women, lots include the chance for three people to fish for grayling on the River Test, a guided predator fly fishing day for zander and perch on the Grand Union Canal and two days’ fishing on the River Tay for two rods.
For those looking for rest and relaxation, you can bid on a week’s break in a Wensleydale cottage sleeping 10 adults and 2 children or, if you prefer the comfort of your own home, you can bid on a dinner party for up to 12 people privately catered by chef Sarah Hollowell.
All lots can be viewed at www.gwct.org.uk/auction
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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