CLA South East is encouraging nominations in Sussex for a prestigious award that recognises the unsung heroes responsible for maintaining the country’s iconic rural landscapes.
The CLA Long Service Awards recognise gamekeepers from across the UK who have dedicated their lives to the countryside. The recipients are gamekeepers with at least 40 years service on not more than five estates.
The Awards are presented at the annual CLA Game Fair.
CLA Director South East Robin Edwards said: “The skill and dedication of Sussex gamekeepers make an enormous contribution to the long-term conservation and improvement of the region’s unique landscapes. However widespread recognition of their contribution 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 countryside, and I hope that Sussex will be well represented.”
The presentations will take place on the first day of the CLA Game Fair, which will run this year from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August at Harewood House in Yorkshire. It is the largest event of its kind in Europe and is expected to attract more than 140,000 people from across the UK and abroad.
Potential candidates for the awards must be nominated by an employer. Further details and how to nominate an individual can be obtained from the CLA’s Bex Welti on: 0207 2019522 or by email to: bex.welti@cla.org.uk