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New £10,000 bursary scheme available for young keepers and stalkers
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A generous new bursary scheme which supports young keepers or stalkers in the first five years of their career has been announced by Holland & Holland.
The company is keen to support natural resource management and to this end will give £10,000 to a successful applicant showing the desired credentials by submitting a written piece or video which describes how they would use the prize in pursuing a related project or course.
An ambassador for shooting and conservation
“We are aware of the importance of supporting young people who wish to play a role in wildlife management and ethical shooting. Our hope is that through this scheme we will be able to help further the education of young gamekeepers and provide a platform for the winner to become an ambassador for shooting and conservation,” commented Daryl Greatrex, Managing Director of Holland & Holland.
Applicants have until 31st May to send in a video or written piece describing how they would spend the prize. Holland & Holland says it could be a young stalker looking to do a postgraduate course in sustainable deer management or a trainee gamekeeper hoping to learn from how grey partridges are managed in France. The aim of the bursary is to broaden the horizons of young gamekeepers.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of prominent figures in shooting, including Liam Bell, head gamekeeper and chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation who noted: “Once in a generation someone comes up with an idea that turns conventional thinking on its head. The Holland & Holland bursary may well be the vehicle for supporting, encouraging and ultimately unlocking real talent.”
The bursary will allow enthusiastic people at the early stages of their career to gain invaluable experience and training.
Euan Anderson, head gamekeepers in the Scottish Highlands advised: “It is important for anyone starting a career in the game conservation or wildlife profession to broaden their horizons. This bursary gives someone a fantastic opportunity to do just that. ”
Keen stalker Hugh van Cutsem added: “It’s hugely reassuring to see one of the oldest and most well-known names in the sporting industry doing their bit.”
Sam Thompson, stalker in the Highlands said: “This bursary will allow enthusiastic people at the early stages of their career to gain invaluable experience and training.”
“A great opportunity to give an up and coming young person a chance to broaden and develop their skills and knowledge” said Paul Gillett, head keeper in Gloucestershire.
What’s in a gamekeeper’s job description?
Gamekeepers: From long hours to relentless predators, there are many aspects to a gamekeeper’s job description.
Education for the future is crucial
“The profession of game and conservation management has many barriers ahead of it. To succeed, future employees will need to be rounded on all aspects of their work and understand the varying viewpoints of stakeholders and the public whom they will be working alongside.” Richard Bailey, senior beatkeeper in the Peak District.
Application packs can be found here. The winner of the Holland & Holland Conservation Bursary will be announced in early July this year.
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