Leading wildlife research charity, The Game Conservancy Trust is urging farmers, landowners and shooting estates across Lincolnshire to enter a new award scheme, which aims to raise awareness of the plight of the grey partridge in the county.
The Jas. Martin & Co Lincolnshire Grey Partridge Trophy is being sponsored by local land agents, Jas. Martin & Co., who are keen to encourage more landowners to participate in The Game Conservancy Trust's campaign to restore populations of grey partridge.
The wild grey partridge has seen a massive 85% decline in its population over the past 30 years. In Edwardian Britain it is estimated that there were about one million pairs of grey partridges, but now the population is standing at just 85,000 pairs. This severe decline has prompted the Government to make the partridge a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, with The Game Conservancy Trust appointed Lead Partner.
In Lincolnshire, like many arable counties, grey partridges have declined because of intensive farming, the loss of suitable cover on farmland and a decline in predator control by gamekeepers.
But according to a recent assessment of partridge numbers in Lincolnshire, the picture is starting to look more promising and many landowners are now taking positive steps to enhance their land for the species by creating new habitats, providing food and carrying out predator control
Robin Battle, senior partner with Jas. Martin & Co said, "We are delighted to launch this new award as it signifies renewed hope for the grey partridge in this county. I would encourage everyone to have a go at winning the Trophy, even if they only have a few partridges. All entrants have an equal chance. It all depends on the amount of effort people put in to save the grey."
The Jas. Martin & Co., Lincolnshire Grey Partridge Trophy is to be presented annually at the Lincolnshire Show to an estate, farm or shoot that is considered to have done most in the previous year to conserve the partridge. All those who submit partridge counts in The Game Conservancy Trust's Grey Partridge Count Scheme will be eligible for the award. The winner will be chosen by a panel representing Jas. Martin & Co., The Game Conservancy Trust and The National Gamekeepers Organisation.
To become involved in the Grey Partridge Count Scheme or for further information on conserving grey partridges, please contact Edward Darling, Telephone : 01763 242138, or The Game Conservancy Trust, Telephone: 01425 652381.
