Duke’s Challenge raises record-breaking £685,000 for GWCT

The shooting community has backed wildlife conservation in spectacular fashion, raising a record-breaking £685,000 for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust at the Duke’s Challenge wildlife conservation event held at Alnwick Castle.

The event attracted 170 guests who balanced competitive clay shooting with dedicated conservation fundraising. The Duke of Northumberland hosted the day in the atmospheric ruins of Hulne Abbey. Morning clays were followed by a game lunch and live auction conducted by The Earl of Rosebery.

Building on Sandringham success

The remarkable fundraising total more than doubled the £330,000 raised at the inaugural Duke’s Challenge at Sandringham in 2023. Originally held as a one-off in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, the overwhelming enthusiasm has created a biennial series.

Earl Percy chaired the organising committee after attending Sandringham with his father. He was clear about the motivation: “Through science and sound advice the GWCT helps farmers, land managers and conservationists succeed in their mission to enhance the great British countryside. No conservation organisation does more to preserve our landscape, our wildlife, and our way of life.”

Conservation success at Alnwick Estate

The Alnwick Estate itself proves this philosophy works. The Duke’s Ratcheugh grey partridge project has grown from just 15 pairs in 2000 to 521 pairs in 2024. Tree sparrows, yellowhammers and brown hares have all benefited from the habitat improvements.

GWCT CEO Nick von Westenholz praised how “Alnwick is a working rural landscape where wildlife thrives alongside farming.” This represents exactly what the Trust believes in: “that wildlife can thrive if we focus on integrating it alongside other land uses”.

Supporting nearly 100 years of research

For nearly 100 years, the GWCT has worked with gamekeepers, farmers and estates, providing science-based advice to improve habitats and restore biodiversity. Their research spans everything from waders to wild salmon.

This remarkable total proves the shooting community’s genuine commitment to conservation. Jeremy Payne, GWCT’s Director of Fundraising, called it “a fantastic result, particularly in today’s challenging financial climate.” The next Duke’s Challenge is planned for 2027.

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