Inspiration for a country lover’s Christmas

As Christmas approaches and thoughts begin to turn to gifts for loved ones, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Autumn/Winter gift collection provides inspiration for even the trickiest recipient. The collection celebrates the best of the British countryside and profits help support the vital work of the conservation scientists at the GWCT, using research to enhance the UK’s countryside and improve biodiversity.

The GWCT collection includes new Christmas card designs from the ever-popular artist Loon, letting you send a festive greeting with a chuckle, while other new cards feature wildlife art and photography that evoke the glory of our rural landscapes.

For dedicated guns of all ages, a copy of ‘The Knowledge: Every gun’s guide to conservation’ will set them on the right track to protecting the wildlife and landscapes they enjoy. An exclusive GWCT-branded Chilly’s water bottle will keep them hydrated through a long day’s shooting and they can keep their guns in good order with Pro-Ferrum gun oil.

For those who look after our countryside, the GWCT’s latest publications will inspire. ‘Farming with Nature’ is an engaging and practical guide to how conservation efforts aimed at the grey partridge can help farmland biodiversity, while ‘Moorland Conservationists: The Untold Story’ looks at nine moorland land managers who have dedicated their lives to the landscape and wildlife in their care. ‘Saving our Lapwing’ tells the story of a remarkable project to restore lapwing and other wading birds to the valley of the Hampshire Avon, full of practical tips and inspiring stories of farmers working together to achieve real change.

The collection includes books to appeal to all ages. When winter weather confines them to the fireside, countrymen and women will love the ‘Forager’s Calendar: A seasonal guide to nature’s wild harvest’ and ‘A Natural History of the Hedgerow: and ditches, dykes and dry stone walls’. And keen chefs are sure to find inspiration in Rachel Carrie’s ‘Game and Gatherings: The Cook Book’ or the ‘Glorious Game Cookbook’.

New for 2020 is a classic purple grouse covey silk tie, joining the existing colours in the range. Other stylish gifts include a choice of cufflinks and a collection of pewter badges including pheasant, curlew, lapwing and woodcock, £5 from each badge goes to support the GWCT’s work with each species.

This summer saw the launch of the GWCT Gallery, providing the opportunity to purchase quality wildlife art online from featured artists such as painters Ashley Boon and Roger McPhail and sculptor Ian Greensitt. 25% from each sale goes directly to GWCT research. In addition to the pieces displayed, the artists will also take commissions. 

And finally, for the dog who has everything, there is the GWCT dog bed and dog mat, made exclusively for the GWCT by The Red Dog Company, with 20% of every sale going to the GWCT. With their deep orthopaedic Memory Foam mattress and wool topper, they have been designed in conjunction with a veterinary surgeon and come in three sizes and two colours: fire orange and apple green.

The full GWCT gift collection is available at gwctshop.org.uk or by telephoning 01425 651024 for a catalogue.