Among The Best in the Country
AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY
East Devon Gamekeeper wins third place in National Award
Reg Hawkins of the Escot Estate near Ottery St Mary has won a ‘highly commended' third place in the prestigious 2009 Farmers Weekly/CLA Game Fair Gamekeeper of the Year Award.
Reg grew up on the Escot Estate and for him it has been both home and workplace. Like his father before him he was a tenant farmer there, keeping dairy cattle and sheep. Now the Escot keeper, for him life is never dull. Wild boar, beavers, water voles, music festival revellers, estate visitors by the thousand - tenant-farmer-turned -gamekeeper Reg Hawkins takes them all in his stride.
"Being a conscientious farmer all his life, Reg's attitude to livestock and wildlife is first class - he cares for his surroundings and is a true champion of the countryside," says John-Michael. "Also he excels at liaison with tenant farmers, foresters, dog walkers and local and visiting public, explaining the benefits of all the conservation work we do here."
Reg has certainly proved a success as a gamekeeper but he hasn't given up farming entirely. He still keeps a few animals. "'Play-farming' my wife calls it" he says, happy to have the best of both worlds.
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- Excellent, fun packed day! The Play Barn is certainly a great addition!
Jane from Exmouth