Latest news with #GWCT
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Families set for an adventure at the 2025 Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair returns to the spectacular Scone Palace Parklands from 4–6 July 2025, bringing a jam-packed weekend of countryside fun for families and children of all ages. With the event just a few weeks away, there is limited time to secure tickets. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... At the GWCT there's never a dull moment for children (or adults) because, around every corner, there are endless activities. There is no better classroom or adventure playground than the great outdoors and the Scottish Game Fair is packed with plenty family fun. A beloved summer highlight for over three decades, this year's event offers more family-focused entertainment than ever before. With an exciting mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and creative workshops, it's the perfect escape into nature and rural heritage. Activity Row Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gordeon Setter Parade at Scottish Game Fair Activity Row is the place to be during event weekend. Kids can burn off energy with archery, climbing walls, and bouncy castles, and can even try their hand at cycling with a variety of bikes on a simulation track with Synergy Cycles. Pass It On Scotland, a volunteer non-profit making organisation that gets the young (and not so young) involved in the countryside, will have a stand on Activity Row that is not to be missed. Every day at 11.30am there will be a talk on how to get started in shooting and at 2.30pm how to get started fishing. There is also a wildlife quiz and the opportunity to try many different countryside pursuits including fly tying, line casting, archery, air rifles and more. Wagging Tails Wherever you turn at the Scottish Game Fair, you'll find wagging tails and friendly faces, this is truly a dog lover's paradise. From working gundogs demonstrating their skills to cuddle-ready puppies meeting young fans, the event celebrates our four-legged companions in all their forms. Keep an eye out for parades of Scotland's rare and endangered native breeds, including the Gordon Setter, Scottish Deerhound, and the charming Dandie Dinmont, as passionate owners showcase their heritage and share the stories behind these treasured dogs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Step into the world of gundogs, where families can meet affectionate labradors, springers, and retrievers, from the renowned Mordor Gundogs. Children are encouraged to interact with the dogs, learn about each breed's characteristics, and discover tips for raising a healthy, happy pup. Young visitors can also take part in fun, hands-on activities like the Gundog Team Challenge. Outdoor Skills & Wildlife There's no shortage of opportunities for young adventurers to get hands-on with nature and traditional countryside skills. Kids can try their hand at activities like archery and fishing, guided by experienced instructors who make learning fun and accessible. Budding anglers can learn the art of casting a line, while aspiring archers can test their aim in a safe and supportive environment. The animal encounters are a big hit too, children will love the chance to cheer on speedy ferrets in lively races, watch majestic birds of prey soar overhead during falconry displays, and get up close to gentle Highland ponies in the petting area. Young minds can explore conservation in action, with engaging exhibits and talks that highlight Scotland's rich biodiversity and rural heritage. This area of the event blends excitement with insight—making it just as enriching as it is entertaining. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Young visitors can also take on the Junior Macnab Challenge, an exciting free competition run by BASC in partnership with the Scottish Youth & the Countryside Education Trust. Held at the BASC stand, the challenge invites children to try their hand at fly fishing, air rifles, and clay shooting. Once completed, participants are entered into a prize draw, with fantastic rewards up for grabs. Fun, confidence-building, and educational, it's a brilliant introduction to field sports and part of BASC's wider mission to engage the next generation with the countryside. More information: Kids under 5 go free Buggy-friendly grounds Dog-friendly with an optional dog crèche Accessible facilities and family rest areas Whether your children love animals, action, or hands-on discovery, the Scottish Game Fair offers a fun and memorable day out for all ages. For more information or to book tickets, visit
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Families set for an adventure at the 2025 Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair returns to the spectacular Scone Palace Parklands from 4–6 July 2025, bringing a jam-packed weekend of countryside fun for families and children of all ages. With the event just a few weeks away, there is limited time to secure tickets. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... At the GWCT there's never a dull moment for children (or adults) because, around every corner, there are endless activities. There is no better classroom or adventure playground than the great outdoors and the Scottish Game Fair is packed with plenty family fun. A beloved summer highlight for over three decades, this year's event offers more family-focused entertainment than ever before. With an exciting mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and creative workshops, it's the perfect escape into nature and rural heritage. Activity Row Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gordon Setter Parade at Scottish Game Fair Activity Row is the place to be during event weekend. Kids can burn off energy with archery, climbing walls, and bouncy castles, and can even try their hand at cycling with a variety of bikes on a simulation track with Synergy Cycles. Pass It On Scotland, a volunteer non-profit making organisation that gets the young (and not so young) involved in the countryside, will have a stand on Activity Row that is not to be missed. Every day at 11.30am there will be a talk on how to get started in shooting and at 2.30pm how to get started fishing. There is also a wildlife quiz and the opportunity to try many different countryside pursuits including fly tying, line casting, archery, air rifles and more. Wagging Tails Wherever you turn at the Scottish Game Fair, you'll find wagging tails and friendly faces, this is truly a dog lover's paradise. From working gundogs demonstrating their skills to cuddle-ready puppies meeting young fans, the event celebrates our four-legged companions in all their forms. Keep an eye out for parades of Scotland's rare and endangered native breeds, including the Gordon Setter, Scottish Deerhound, and the charming Dandie Dinmont, as passionate owners showcase their heritage and share the stories behind these treasured dogs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Step into the world of gundogs, where families can meet affectionate labradors, springers, and retrievers, from the renowned Mordor Gundogs. Children are encouraged to interact with the dogs, learn about each breed's characteristics, and discover tips for raising a healthy, happy pup. Young visitors can also take part in fun, hands-on activities like the Gundog Team Challenge. Outdoor Skills & Wildlife There's no shortage of opportunities for young adventurers to get hands-on with nature and traditional countryside skills. Kids can try their hand at activities like archery and fishing, guided by experienced instructors who make learning fun and accessible. Budding anglers can learn the art of casting a line, while aspiring archers can test their aim in a safe and supportive environment. The animal encounters are a big hit too, children will love the chance to cheer on speedy ferrets in lively races, watch majestic birds of prey soar overhead during falconry displays, and get up close to gentle Highland ponies in the petting area. Young minds can explore conservation in action, with engaging exhibits and talks that highlight Scotland's rich biodiversity and rural heritage. This area of the event blends excitement with insight—making it just as enriching as it is entertaining. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Young visitors can also take on the Junior Macnab Challenge, an exciting free competition run by BASC in partnership with the Scottish Youth & the Countryside Education Trust. Held at the BASC stand, the challenge invites children to try their hand at fly fishing, air rifles, and clay shooting. Once completed, participants are entered into a prize draw, with fantastic rewards up for grabs. Fun, confidence-building, and educational, it's a brilliant introduction to field sports and part of BASC's wider mission to engage the next generation with the countryside. More information: Kids under 5 go free Buggy-friendly grounds Dog-friendly with an optional dog crèche Accessible facilities and family rest areas Whether your children love animals, action, or hands-on discovery, the Scottish Game Fair offers a fun and memorable day out for all ages.
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rare Scottish dog breeds steal the show at this year's Scottish Game Fair
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5 July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace in Perthshire. But this year, there's even more to wag your tail about with three rare Scottish dog breeds coming together in a spectacular celebration of heritage and hounds. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts will gather on Friday, July 4 and the Scottish Deerhounds will gather on Sunday, July 6 for the first time in event history with brand-new parades. The three breeds are being recognised for their deep roots in Scottish history and their increasingly rare and endangered status. Together, they will showcase Scotland's rich canine traditions and the importance of conserving the dogs for future generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gordon Setters, known for their silky black and tan coats and gentle temperament, are sadly an endangered dog breed. With playful personalities, loyalty and intelligence, these dogs are equally smart and graceful. The meet up, organised by The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland, saw 70 Setters at last year's gathering, and organisers are aiming for 100 this year to raise awareness and admiration for this elegant breed. Scottish Deerhounds, Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts and Gordon Setters photographed at Scone Palace ahead of this year's Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts, instantly recognisable by their long bodies, short legs and distinctive topknots are one of Scotland's oldest terrier breeds. Despite their charm and loyal nature, they are now among the UK's most endangered dog breeds, with just a handful of litters registered each year. The breed served as industrious working dogs and dedicated rodent hunters with their vast speed and their appearance at Scone Palace will be a rare treat for dog lovers. Scottish Deerhounds are majestic, deer-stalking hounds that were once the royal dogs of Scotland. Known for their grace, size and gentle nature, Deerhounds played a vital role in Scottish history and were originally bred to hunt wild red deer. This exceptional breed is dropping in numbers due to the reduced demand for working dogs, and passionate owners have been working hard to revive the breed through careful breeding and preservation. Their presence at the Scottish Game Fair will offer a unique glimpse into Scotland's noble canine heritage. The three parades hope to encourage families to consider the beloved breeds when choosing a canine companion. With stunning surroundings, lively events, and a gathering of some of the rarest dogs in the UK, the Scottish Game Fair promises a paw-sitively unforgettable experience for all ages. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair runs 4-6 July. For tickets and full event info, visit
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rare Scottish dog breeds steal the show at this year's Scottish Game Fair
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday, July 5 as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace in Perthshire. But this year, there's even more to wag your tail about with three rare Scottish dog breeds coming together in a spectacular celebration of heritage and hounds. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts will gather on Friday, July 4 and the Scottish Deerhounds will gather on Sunday, July 6 for the first time in event history with brand-new parades. The three breeds are being recognised for their deep roots in Scottish history and their increasingly rare and endangered status. Together, they will showcase Scotland's rich canine traditions and the importance of conserving the dogs for future generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gordon Setters, known for their silky black and tan coats and gentle temperament, are sadly an endangered dog breed. With playful personalities, loyalty and intelligence, these dogs are equally smart and graceful. The meet up, organised by The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland, saw 70 Setters at last year's gathering, and organisers are aiming for 100 this year to raise awareness and admiration for this elegant breed. Scottish Deerhounds, Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts and Gordon Setters photographed at Scone Palace ahead of this year's Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair Caledonian Dandie Dinmonts, instantly recognisable by their long bodies, short legs and distinctive topknots are one of Scotland's oldest terrier breeds. Despite their charm and loyal nature, they are now among the UK's most endangered dog breeds, with just a handful of litters registered each year. The breed served as industrious working dogs and dedicated rodent hunters with their vast speed and their appearance at Scone Palace will be a rare treat for dog lovers. Scottish Deerhounds are majestic, deer-stalking hounds that were once the royal dogs of Scotland. Known for their grace, size and gentle nature, Deerhounds played a vital role in Scottish history and were originally bred to hunt wild red deer. This exceptional breed is dropping in numbers due to the reduced demand for working dogs, and passionate owners have been working hard to revive the breed through careful breeding and preservation. Their presence at the Scottish Game Fair will offer a unique glimpse into Scotland's noble canine heritage. The three parades hope to encourage families to consider the beloved breeds when choosing a canine companion. With stunning surroundings, lively events, and a gathering of some of the rarest dogs in the UK, the Scottish Game Fair promises a paw-sitively unforgettable experience for all ages.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Curlew chicks hatch in Kent conservation project
A Kent nature reserve is playing a key role in efforts to revive southern England's dwindling curlew population. Thirty-nine chicks have successfully hatched and are being raised in captivity as part of a project to save one of Britain's most iconic wading birds from local extinction. The chicks, hatched from eggs collected in northern England, are being cared for at Elmley Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey. They are due to be released into the wild later this summer. Curlews, easily recognised by their long, down-curved bills and haunting calls, are Europe's largest wading birds. They nest on the ground and are typically seen feeding on tidal mudflats and salt marshes. Populations in southern England have plummeted in recent decades due, it is thought, to habitat loss and high numbers of predators such as foxes. Reserve manager Gareth Fulton said: "The reason for the project is that curlews in southern England, basically everything south of Birmingham, are down to about the last 200 pairs and they need to produce more chicks per year to sustain their population. "So they're going to go extinct here in 20 years if no one does anything." Elmley is one of three sites involved in the South of England Curlew Project supported by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). They have officially been granted a licence from Natural England to receive and rear curlew eggs. Mr Fulton said they are working closely with experts in the Yorkshire Dales, where the curlew population is healthier. They identify where nests have been made in vulnerable locations, such as near a footpath or in fields that will be cut for grass before the chicks are ready. He said: "The experts watch the nests, know when the eggs are laid and know when they're ready to move. "They're incubated in Yorkshire for a few weeks before being brought here." Conservationists believe captive-rearing gives the birds the best chance of survival during their vulnerable early stages. With 3,300 acres of wet grassland and meadows, alongside salt marsh and mudflats of the River Swale, Elmley offers a protected environment for the birds to thrive. Curlews typically breed in the same area where they themselves were raised. Therefore, the hope is the chicks will return to breed at the reserve when they are mature. With this being the third year of the project, conservationists are looking out for returning birds and hopefully nests in 2026. Man sets off on 53-mile walk dressed as a curlew Conservationists hand-rear endangered birds Elmley Nature Reserve Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
