Conservation Shoot Walk

On the evening of Tuesday, 4th June, Lees Court Estate was pleased to welcome 30 members of the Kent Branch of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) for a Shoot Walk led by the Estate Team, with expert input from GWCT’s Mike Swan.

Guests were given an insightful overview of the shoot and conservation work taking place across the Estate, learning how wildlife and habitat management are carefully balanced to support biodiversity alongside sporting interests.

Laurie Hills, a PhD student from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), met the group on site to share his research into reptile populations across Kent farms and estates, including Lees Court. His work is helping to deepen understanding of how land use and management affect native reptiles.

The evening took an unexpected turn when a fire was spotted taking hold in one of the release pens — a consequence of the recent prolonged dry spell. Fortunately, the presence of the group meant the fire was quickly noticed, and the Estate Team sprang into action. With support from Kent Fire and Rescue Services — who arrived swiftly with engines from both Ashford and Faversham - the fire was brought under control. The nearby Rearing Field's supply of fire extinguishers proved crucial in containing the blaze before it could spread further.

With the fire safely extinguished, the group concluded the evening with a well-earned ‘beer and a burger’, and for those interested, a special visit to meet The Countess Sondes’ remarkable group of 120 giant sulcata tortoises — a unique and memorable end to an already eventful evening!

Lees Court Estate is proud to continue hosting events that engage the wider conservation and shooting community while actively supporting research, education, and biodiversity in the Kent countryside.

For further information on the Lees Court Shoot please contact Elizabeth Roberts on 01227 731331