Countryside Alliance - love the countryside

Aaron Cullen, 19, Underkeeper.

Aaron Cullen is a world away from the stereotypical image often associated with gamekeepers. Having been born in America and raised in Shevington on the outskirts of Wigan, he experienced few barriers to getting involved in country pursuits. His introduction to shooting came through his father, a keen shot and shooting enthusiast, who took him beating on shoots in Lancashire and Cumbria. It was the fresh air and sense of freedom that convinced Aaron of the merits of pursuing a career as a gamekeeper.

While many of his peers went on to take up urban jobs, Aaron completed an NVQ level two in gamekeeping at Myerscough College in Lancashire. “I wasn’t interested in office work. I don’t think it’s very healthy to be cooped up all day – I wanted a job where I’d be in touch with nature everyday.” Aaron left college well equipped for his career, having also completed national certificates in tractor and quad bike driving and chainsaw handling. It wasn’t long before Aaron was offered his first formal job on the Bleasdale estate in Lancashire. “Throughout college I worked on a number of estates in the area, building up practical experience. I must have got a good reputation in the area, because the headkeeper on the Bleasdale estate offered me a job through recommendation from another gamekeeper.”

The Bleasdale estate is located above Preston and is set among stunning windswept moors and dramatic gritstone crags.  Aaron is employed as one of three gamekeepers who manage the 12,000 acre property which provides mainly pheasant and partridge shooting. But this year is special, because the estate is also hosting it’s first walked-up grouse day for five years on its 6,000 acre moor. “We’ve worked incredibly hard this year on the upland management - carrying out targeted heather burning, laying grit and controlling vermin – which means we’ve provided habitat for sufficient numbers of grouse from surrounding moors to put on a day’s shooting.” The life of gamekeeper is a challenging one and demands a special type of person. “Spring and summer are my busiest periods; building release pens, planting cover crops and coppicing woods. When the birds are learning to fend for themselves in the release pens, I’m up at four in the morning making sure nothing attacks them.” Unlike many jobs, gamekeepers typically only have around 30 days to prove themselves which can be a mixed blessing. “I’m always nervous on the first day of the season. If there aren’t any birds or they’re not flying well you know you’ve made mistakes along the way. It can be pretty demoralising, but it’s a learning process. However there is nothing more satisfying than having the boss pat you on the back for a top day’s shooting.”

While Bleasdale attracts many tourists during the fair weather months Aaron believes shooting keeps the local home fires burning in the winter. “We employ about 30 beaters and 5 pickers-up during the season. Also a number of the clients we accommodate in our newly built lodge spend money in the local pubs and retail shops – it would be hard going without this revenue stream.” While Aaron is excited about his imminent move to a newly refurbished house he feels for his peers who struggle with local house prices. “It’s cheaper to buy in Manchester, I couldn’t afford a house here if it didn’t come with the job – something needs to be done to help young rural people get on the property ladder.” But despite these challenges life in the countryside is good. “Living here is hassle free, I can enjoy a few pints with friendly people and don’t have to look over my shoulder like I do in town – everyone looks out for you round here,” said Aaron. And with the season underway Aaron looks forward to seeing his birds fly high.