Conservation award for Pickering gamekeeper (From Gazette & Herald)

Conservation award for Pickering gamekeeper George Thompson

8:16am Thursday 31st March 2011 in News

A GAMEKEEPER from Pickering has been hailed for his dedication to conservation.

George Thompson, head grouse moor keeper at Spaunton Moor was a runner-up in The Bellamy Trophy, founded by conservationist, David Bellamy, which recognises creativite and initiative in promoting the gamekeepers’ role in sustainable countryside management.

Mr Thompson said: “It is a tremendous honour. I’ve been on the moor for 20 years, and it’s a wonderful place, an actively conserved wildlife oasis that I’ve always gone out of my way to tell the public about.

“Wildlife thrives on peace and quiet, but we are very active in the community. We have just raised over £30,000 for cancer charities in a silent auction.”