| INTERVIEW - KATHRYN HUTCHINSON
The Final Word
Research in practice
Kathryn Hutchinson, assistant keeper at Temple Farm, Marlborough, has loved being part of the estate’s transformation and hopes to inspire other women to become gamekeepers
K
athryn Hutchinson has been the assistant keeper at Temple Farm, Marlborough, since 2010, an integral part of the team at Temple that won the Purdey award in 2013.
What motivated you to become a gamekeeper?
To have an outdoor lifestyle as well as being able to help maintain the wildlife and its habitat.
What is your proudest achievement at Temple Farm?
Winning the Purdey Award. To say I was part of the team who has helped with planting hedgerows, trees, wildlife corridors, dew ponds and to see the grey partridge back on the downs is a privilege. I’ve also loved being a part of making Temple the shoot it is today. The vision that Konrad Goess-Saurau (the estate owner) wanted to achieve and still is achieving for wildlife, is fantastic. To also have the opportunity to be taught how to rear grey partridges from a day old is an amazing experience, especially as they are my favourite bird. Representing Wiltshire Young Farmers in the National Finals and winning the quadbike task was a great personal achievement. Every successful shoot day also brings a sense of satisfaction.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced since you started? Being a female in the keepering industry. Proving I can work hard and do all the physical jobs asked of me. Also to inspire other women by showing them that it isn’t just a man’s job.
The transformation at the farm in the last 30 years is remarkable. What can other farms
About Kathryn
have to make huge changes – give up that rough field corner, put in your six metre margin or create a new dew pond. Make sure you feed small birds through the winter and spring, and open your farm/estate up to visits from local schools and colleges to help educate the next generation. Finally, be proud of what you have achieved.
How does GWCT advice inform the work you do?
Hutchinson in a minute Favourite food? A Sunday roast and of course chocolate! How do you relax? By attending my local Young Farmers club. Favourite place? I love the Marlborough Downs but closely followed by the Yorkshire moors.
Most inspirational people? Konrad Goess- Saurau, the estate owner and Phil Holborow, head- keeper at Temple Farm. Favourite birds? Grey partridge and woodcock.
learn from what you have achieved?
What Konrad has achieved in the last 30 years is outstanding and his vision alongside Ian McCall from the GWCT, is a credit to them both. It’s about managing the land, not just for a fantastic shoot, but also the habitat for the gamebirds and wildlife. Farmers don’t
Temple has always had a close relationship with the GWCT and in the past, key people within the organisation have visited the estate to advise on the layout of the shoot such as where to position new pens and plant woods. Also the research into pest control, feed types and medication is very beneficial. Finally, the GWCT are very useful for keeping us up-to-date on legislation and best practice.
What can you recommend to the next generation of gamekeepers and conservationists?
That you’re not just a gamekeeper. You need to be prepared to manage your land/estate for not just a shoot, but for the wildlife. It is important to improve people’s knowledge of looking after the land for wildlife such as bees, lapwing, corn bunting, pheasants and deer. By working together as part of a wider team with staff on the estate, you can achieve much more and you’re never too old to learn and pass on your knowledge and experience.
Can you give your reasons why you think people should join the GWCT? The GWCT is in a perfect position to give practical advice that benefits the countryside without ignoring the reality of the challenges faced by people managing the land. Supporting it allows that work to reach a wider audience.
Gamewise is published three times a year and is sent to members of the Trust free of charge. The appearance of an advertisement in this or any other Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust publication does not imply the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s approval of the product or service in question. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 05579632, registered charity number 1112023. Registered Office: Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF Tel: +44(0)1425 652381. Email:
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58 | GAMEWISE • SUMMER 2017
www.gwct.org.uk
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