Shropshire Star

Gamekeeping a way of life for family

They say never work with family – but at an estate in Wales one father has gone against the advice and now works alongside his two teenage sons.

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The trio work at Crogen Estate, near Corwen, in north Wales and have all studied or are studying at Walford and North Shropshire College, near Baschurch.

Sean Duffy started on the Crogen estate more than 20 years ago as an apprentice and has been head keeper for 10 years.

His son Aaron, 18, has recently completed the level two intermediate apprenticeship in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management and has secured a full-time position on the Cowen estate as a beatkeeper.

And now Sean's17-year-old son, Luke, is working alongside them and has started the Gamekeeping Apprenticeship at Walford.

Mr Duffy senior has completed a number of courses at the Walford campus of the college over the years and said he is very pleased that his sons have done the same.

He said: "Learning the trade on the ground is very important but I also believe in getting the qualifications and I've always encouraged my lads to do just that.

"Working with my lads is going well.

"They have shown they have the right attitude and the commitment to become good gamekeepers.

"But that doesn't stop them getting a telling off if they deserve it."

Tutor Richard Norbury said the numbers on the course have increased and they now have three women studying gamekeeping.

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