Suffolk Farmer Wins Grey Partridge Conservation Award

Dr Roger Draycott, chair of the GWCT advisory committee on Grey Partridge conservation described Frederick Hyam Farms Ltd as ‘stand-out winners’ because of their long-term commitment to improving habitats for the Grey Partridge in East Anglia. Farm owner, Christopher Wilson, was there to collect the coveted award with gamekeeper, Richard Gould. Their farming business spans 9000 acres across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Pembrokeshire but it was their improvements in habitat in East Anglia, which caught the attention of judges.

The award ceremony took place following a tour of Lark Rise Farm in Cambridgeshire – which is managed by last year’s winner, Tim Scott.

Both Christopher and Richard said they were ‘very proud’ to receive the award from Castleacre Director Hugo Johnsen, and Christopher sited the influence of his own father, who had in his time worked hard to improve otter populations on their land.

Hugo Johnsen, Director of Sponsors Castleacre said ‘It was a really heartening occasion because we are increasingly seeing farmers, landowners and gamekeepers who are willing to adopt much more environmentally sensitive practises solely to improve habitat and wildlife populations, practises which are often at some cost and some inconvenience to themselves. The East Anglian Grey Partridge is an all to rare opportunity to recognise that effort and we are delighted that Frederick Hyam won this year.’