Sibling trio share spoils in junior keeper awards

Three siblings have triumphed at the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust’s (GWT) Young Gamekeeper of the Year Awards at Buckhurst Park Estate in East Sussex. 

Arthur, nine, Beanie, eight, and Amber Cox, seven — the children of Buckhurst Park’s headkeeper Johnathan — received awards in the junior category from Lord Dalhousie. Johnathan and his wife Dawn remarked: “At times, pausing to see the keepering jobs through the eyes of our children puts everything into perspective.” 

GWT patron Lord James Percy said: “It is a pleasure to recognise the interest and work of future guardians of the countryside. Our keepers today are at the coalface of conservation and these youngsters are gaining a tremendous education in management of our countryside.” 

The award was devised by Trustee Lady Scott, who wished to recognise the families of those in gamekeeping roles who help out with whatever task is required. The charity’s CEO Helen Benson said the growing number of nominations for the Young Gamekeeper Award is “a good indication of how many youngsters there are learning about the practical aspects of countryside management and conservation”.