Wildlife artist takes on new role with the NGO

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John Clarke, from the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, who is a successful wildlife artist and former Head Keeper on a prestigious Lancashire estate, has recently been appointed Northern Development Officer for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.

John has taken over this role from Sarah Read whose energy and enthusiasm over the past five years won her many plaudits from colleagues, members of the NGO and other organisations involved in countryside management in the north of England.

John commented, “Sarah is a hard act to follow and will be greatly missed, but I am looking forward to this new challenge.   I firmly believe that this role is vital in promoting the very positive elements of gamekeeping in the north of England.  The public has very limited knowledge about the amazing conservation job they do on a daily basis and the countryside is a much richer place because of their efforts."

Leaving his gamekeeping role of 22 years behind him to become a full-time wildlife artist, John’s artistic career took off when he was commissioned to paint a wildlife picture for Her Majesty the Queen, which he later presented to her in person.  He also made a name for himself by dreaming up and participating in the famous 2006 Gamekeeper’s Calendar.  The calendar, which depicted the keepers in various countryside settings, with little to hide their modesty, raised in excess of £56,000 for charity, including the NGO Charitable Trust and the Macmillan cancer charity.

However, despite his previous successes, John felt he needed a new challenge and was delighted to be accepted as Development Officer for the NGO. 

Liam Bell, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is equally pleased that John accepted this appointment and said, “We were very sorry to see Sarah leave for pastures new but I am really delighted to welcome John to the NGO.  I have no doubt that John will be excellent as our new Northern Development Officer as he is hugely enthusiastic and brings some exceptional talents to this role.  Importantly, he has empathy with the gamekeeping profession and understands how important it is for gamekeepers to be able to explain what they do and how their conservation work, as part of game management, plays a crucial role in preserving the habitats and wildlife that is so important to Britain’s biodiversity.” 

John Clarke can be contacted on email: john.clarke@nationalgamekeepers.org.uk or mobile: 07824 099937

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Notes to editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NG)) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.  www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk