The Gamekeepers' Welfare Trust Podcast

In this episode, Linda Mellor is joined by Glenn Kershaw from the North Yorkshire coast, whose journey into shooting began with a simple invitation from a friend.Glenn reflects on how a lifelong love of the countryside grew from birdwatching into training and working his own Springer, alongside shooting and fishing. The conversation also touches on the occasional “them and us” divide found on shoots, and the quiet pride and responsibility of turning up as a beater: properly dressed, ready to play your part, and doing the job well.They also explore a different kind of challenge: dating in your 60s. Glenn shares his thoughts on finding someone who understands and shares a countryside way of life, and how modern apps, built on quick swipes and snapshots, have replaced the more human ways people once connected.👉 Listen now for a conversation about benefits of a country living, the importance of eating what you shoot and searching for a genuine countryside connection in the fast-moving digital world of Apps.

Linda Mellor and Laura McMahon of the British Deer Society discuss the importance of community within deer management, the need to support women and younger people entering the sector, and the growing concern around an ageing workforce and future skills shortages. Laura explains how the British Deer Society is helping to bring people together through collaboration, education, and events.The conversation also celebrates the magic of deer themselves, the powerful connection people feel when spending time watching them in the wild, and the role photography and shared experiences play in bringing people closer to nature. They also explore the BDS Annual Photography competition, and how the society slogan 'Together for Deer' is at the heart of everything they do. 

A candid conversation about predation control, protecting livestock, and the deep-rooted tensions surrounding these topics in today's rural landscape.Owen and Linda dig into the tribalism and combative attitudes that often derail constructive debate, exploring why these conversations can become so charged, and why that's getting in the way of real progress. They trace the long history of humans protecting their food supplies, reflecting on just how far removed much of modern society has become from the realities of food production and land management.The discussion turns to policy, and the dangers of broad-brush approaches that fail to account for the nuance of working land. Owen makes a compelling case for the knowledge held by those on the ground: gamekeepers, farmers, rural workers, arguing that site-specific expertise should carry far greater weight in shaping decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and landscapes.

In this episode, Linda Mellor is joined by Audrey Watson, whose career has spanned roles as a Countryside Ranger, Ecological Adviser, Forester, Deer Officer for BASC, and Area Wildlife Manager.A recent move to the Isle of Mull, Audrey talks about island life, local wildlife on her doorstep, and adapting to open hill stalking and longer-range shooting. The conversation also reflects on loss following the death of her husband, Peter, who introduced her to shooting and deer stalking. Together, they shot and stalked across the UK and hunted worldwide.Now settled on Mull with her four dogs, Audrey shares thoughts on change, resilience, and embracing a new chapter. 👉 Listen now for a thoughtful conversation about life, landscape, and adaptation.

In this episode, host Linda Mellor is joined by Mark Ewart to discuss the importance of face-to-face connection and meaningful engagement with the wider public.Mark, Southern Uplands Moorland Group Regional Co-ordinator and National Engagement Manager for Scotland’s Regional Moorland Group, shares how events such as the Royal Highland Show create valuable opportunities to reach a broad audience. The conversation also explores community and school engagement through initiatives like taking the Moorlands into Schools, working alongside gamekeepers, and open moorland days.They also look at shoot days beyond the shooting itself, highlighting the benefits of working dogs, exercise, teamwork, friendship, camaraderie, time in beautiful landscapes, and positive mental wellbeing.

Deeply connected to the countryside, Andrew spends his days caring for bees, tending his sheep, managing local deer numbers and controlling foxes: no two days ever the same. In spring and summer, he’s always looking closely at the landscape, noticing what’s blossoming and how the season is unfolding for his bees.👉Listen in as Linda and Andrew talk about how he got started with his first hives, the life cycle of bees, the challenges of Scottish weather, and the seasonal plants he looks out for. As Andrew reflects on how beekeeping used to be far more common, his mum remembers when many households kept a hive in the garden, he shares why he’d love to see more gamekeepers and outdoor folk take it up again.With humour, humility and a genuinely therapeutic connection to his bees, Andrew talks about the value of good mentors, the history of the craft, and the satisfaction of making your own hives.

In this episode, host Linda Mellor talks with Mike and Caroline Beresford of Sandford Gundog Kennels — a husband-and-wife team whose lives are deeply rooted in gundogs, field sports, and country life.From Mike’s journey to becoming an English Cocker Championship winner to Caroline’s passion for whelping, training, and cooking game and using seasonal produce, their partnership embodies the balance of skill, respect, and stewardship that defines true country living.They share their thoughts on the future of field trials, and how a simple love of the land has shaped a life of purpose, partnership, and care for wildlife. An inspiring conversation about gundogs, country life, and the commitment to balanced teamwork.

In this episode, host Linda Mellor is joined by Owen Williams, a wildlife artist, writer, and GWCT Welsh Chairman. From watercolours to woodcock, Owen shares how a childhood immersed in the Welsh countryside shaped both his art and his passion for conservation.He talks about founding the Woodcock Network, working with GWCT scientists, and the challenges of capturing atmosphere and detail in watercolour. This is a conversation about dedication to craft, to nature, and to the wild landscapes that inspire both.