I decided I wanted to go into a career in game keeping when I was the tender age of 10. I had always loved the natural environment and was keen to explore new places. My father and I used to go shooting and I was soon captivated by the way of life.

I would beat regularly on local estates and this is where I gained contacts to get my first work experience, all whilst still at school. At 15 I attended a week long course in Gamekeeping run by the Game Conservancy Council. I found this only reinforced my feelings that I would become a gamekeeper.

At 16 I took additional GCSEs in order to stay at school for an extra year. This enabled me to go to Sparsholt College at 17 to complete a 1 year National Certificate in Game and Water Keeping. After leaving college I continued shooting with a local gun club. Through my shooting I found my first part-time gamekeeper position. Which has led to the full time position that I hold today.

My present position involves egg production, rearing and release of pheasant and partridges. During my time as a full time keeper I have continued my professional development by completing a Lantra Awards chainsaw course and as member of the committee of the National Gamekeepers Organisation. This membership has proved invaluable in maintaining contact with other sectors of the industry and experienced gamekeepers.

In the future I would love to work as a head keeper on a larger estate and broaden my experiences as a gamekeeper and fisheries manager. I would also like experience in wild bird management.

Although it can be very hard work, I gain immense enjoyment from my job, which is always fresh and different.