'Townie' Keeper Scoops Award

More News

A grouse moor gamekeeper, who was born a townie, has won a prestigious national rural award - the Bellamy Trophy - for his work promoting countryside conservation and education. The prize, now in it second year, is awarded annually by leading environmentalist Professor David Bellamy and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust.

The 2011 winner George Thompson, who is head grouse moor keeper at Spaunton Moor, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, said: "I come originally from the urban sprawl of Middlesbrough. But I have had a love of the countryside since boyhood. Luckily for me, I was initially steered down this path by a farsighted careers teacher. So I am determined the public - both from town and country - get to hear about the amazing wildlife conservation work done by gamekeepers."

The Bellamy Trophy was launched in 2010 by the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust to recognise those who display exceptional creativity and initiative in promoting the gamekeeper's role in sustainable countryside management. The trophy is made from a piece of bog oak many thousands of years old, preserved from decay by the peat bog's unique environment and gathered by Professor Bellamy.

Mr Thomspon, who also received a cheque for �500 from the NGO Educational Trust, added: "Heather moorland is an ecosystem, a habitat of international conservation importance that supports a rich variety of wildlife. The hard work of moorland keepers in managing the ground for red grouse keeps it that way. I'm particularly proud on the moor of our healthy breeding population of merlins [a spectacular bird of prey]. "

Mr Thomspson said: "It's wonderful to have won. For the sake of wildlife, it is vital people know the truth about the effectiveness of gamekeeper-driven conservation. It is a lifeline for much of the UK's flora and fauna. That's why I champion it at every opportunity. For instance, golden plover, lapwing and curlew are declining countrywide. Yet on my moor these vulnerable ground-nesting wading birds are stable or increasing in number."

During 21 years spent working the 7,000 acres of Spaunton Moor - a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation - he has trumpeted the moorland conservation message to tens of thousands of individuals at both local events and at international conservation forums. He regularly holds well-attended see-for-yourself open days for the public on the moor.

Professor David Bellamy, patron of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and a grandfather of the environmental movement, said: "Gamekeepers are powerhouses for conservation. Keepers actually do what many other groups mostly just waffle about, energetically conserve habitat and wildlife. Want to see land thick with birdlife? Go and talk to a gamekeeper. He - or she - will happily tell you how it's done. Listen, learn and support them. Our wildlife deserves it"

Professor Bellamy added: "Gamekeepers are out there in all weathers living close to the land, sometimes almost 24/7, planting, coppicing and using their eyes and ears, to create a thriving balance in nature. It's no mean task in our overpopulated land. Three cheers for keepers."

The NGO Educational Trust's Brian Hayes said: "A healthycountryside is important to the public and gamekeepers workhard to keep rural Britain rich in wildlife. So it's only logical thatkeepers like telling people about their highly effective brand ofconservation and how it's carried out. George Thompson hasalways been tireless in this. He's an educator par excellence."

Mr Hayes added: 'This award presented by the NGO Educational Trust recognises the vision and commitment of keepers like George Thompson who go out of their way to break down barriers and promote the skills of the gamekeeping profession. Over the years, he has opened the eyes of countless thousands of individuals, both from town and country, to the wonders of gamekeeper-led conservation. He's a worthy winner."

The other nominees were: Alan Edwards, Fred Mitchinson, Bruce Weston and Mike Short.

The 2010 winner of The Bellamy Trophy was a gamekeeper from Kent.