Scientific research under threat
The GWCT has launched a fundraising initiative in order to reduce the millionpound-plus deficit it has suffered due to the coronavirus crisis, around 15% of its projected income. The lockdown has seen the cancellation of numerous fundraising events and dented the trust’s finances.
It is now aiming to recruit 500 new members by Christmas to try to reduce the shortfall. Current GWCT membership stands at 20,000. Joe Dimbleby of the GWCT said: “As well as helping plug the gap in funds, increasing our membership is vital in giving weight to our lobbying efforts and improving the public perception of shooting.”
He stressed the importance of the scientific research carried out by the trust.
Teresa Dent, the chief executive of the GWCT, outlined the financial difficulties the trust faced in May, and said that if it was unable to pay its scientists vital research would go by the wayside.