Awards to recognise longstanding gamekeepers

Its long service awards are a long-standing feature of The CLA Game Fair, which returns to Harewood House near Leeds this summer after a 12-year absence.

The awards provide an annual opportunity to recognise the small band of people who have dedicated their lives to the countryside. They are presented to gamekeepers who have clocked up at least 40 years service on not more than five estates.

Dorothy Fairburn, regional director for the CLA in the North, said: “Our region boasts some of the country’s most spectacular rural landscapes, much of which is underpinned by the work of gamekeepers, yet public recognition of this is rare.

“Modern gamekeepers need to have environmental and ecological skills and a good understanding of modern technology as well as a deep-rooted understanding of the countryside and its wildlife.

“The 2015 CLA Game Fair will be a great opportunity to say a public thank you to the people who care for the rural North in front of a home crowd.”

The presentations will take place on the first day of the fair, which runs from July 31 to August 2. The event is the largest of its kind in Europe and is expected to attract more than 140,000 people, generating more than £30 million for the regional and wider rural economy.

Potential candidates for the awards must be nominated by an employer. For details, call Bex Welti on 0207 2019522.