Celebrating Conservation: The Duke’s Challenge 2025

Hattiers
Jul 11
3 min read

Updated: Sep 11

£685,000 raised. One unforgettable day. A celebration of conservation, community, and countryside, all with a splash of Hattiers Rum.

On June 6, the historic ruins of Hulne Abbey on the Alnwick Estate came alive. The sounds of clay shooting filled the air, accompanied by lively conversations and a shared passion for Britain’s wildlife and countryside. The occasion was the 2025 Duke’s Challenge, a biennial charity event supporting the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). This year, it smashed all records, raising an astonishing £685,000.

Hattiers Rum was proud to be among the select sponsors supporting this prestigious event. It brings together landowners, conservationists, and philanthropists with a common goal: to preserve and enhance the great British countryside.

A Day to Remember

Hosted by the Duke of Northumberland and chaired by Earl Percy, the event welcomed around 170 guests to the Alnwick Estate. This working landscape showcases how conservation thrives alongside tradition. Attendees began the day with clay shooting, followed by a drinks reception and a game-themed lunch. The spirited live auction added excitement to the day. Guests who did not participate in shooting enjoyed a private tour of Alnwick Castle and an exclusive floral workshop by Glenn Shaw of Claridge’s Flower School.

Of course, no celebration is complete without something exceptional in your glass. Hattiers Rum was delighted to offer guests a taste of our award-winning blends as part of the day’s hospitality. Other fantastic drinks brands, such as Bollinger, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Luscombe Drinks, also contributed to the experience. As a B Corp certified brand committed to sustainability and quality, we are proud to support events that align with our values.

Supporting the GWCT: Science-Based Conservation

Since the 1930s, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has led the way in research-based conservation. Their work spans woodland birds, wild salmon, farmland biodiversity, and pollinators. They provide science-backed advice to farmers, land managers, and gamekeepers across the UK. Their philosophy is clear: conservation does not have to compete with land use; it can thrive alongside it.

This ethos was on full display at Alnwick. The estate has become a model for working conservation. It boasts thriving populations of grey partridge, red squirrels, songbirds, and wild salmon. This success is a testament to what is possible when land stewardship and biodiversity go hand in hand.

A Record-Breaking Auction

The live auction, conducted by The Earl of Rosebery, Chairman of Sotheby’s, featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Guests could bid on a Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, shooting weekends hosted by the Duke himself, and even a luxury trip to the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.

A silent auction and luxury raffle further boosted the total. Together, they culminated in a record-breaking £685,000 raised. This phenomenal achievement was made possible by the generosity of guests, donors, and sponsors.

A Shared Vision

As Nick von Westenholz, GWCT’s CEO, shared:

“This is the essence of what the GWCT believes in — that wildlife can thrive if we focus on integrating it alongside other land uses.”

Hattiers Rum echoes this belief. Just as we source our finest rums with care and bottle them in Devon using eco-conscious methods, we believe that true sustainability is about balance—of nature, of craft, and of community.

We are proud to support the GWCT’s mission and raise a glass to those who work tirelessly to ensure that future generations inherit a countryside rich in wildlife and history.

Looking Ahead

As the sun set over Alnwick, thoughts turned to the future. The next Duke’s Challenge is planned for 2027. The bar has been set high, but the momentum is undeniable.

To everyone who played a part, from fellow sponsors to generous guests—thank you for making this day one to remember. And to the team at GWCT, keep leading the way.