Ferret-lover Jack Chedgzoy, 10, wins countryside care award (From Hereford Times)

Ferret-lover Jack Chedgzoy, 10, wins countryside care award

8:00am Friday 6th July 2012 in Farming

A TEN-year-old boy has been recognised for his efforts in caring for the countryside.

Jack Chedgzoy, of Bishop’s Frome, regularly accompanies his father, Steve, to farms and gardens and trains ferrets to chase pests, such as rabbits, from the area.

This environmentally friendly form of pest control rids the land of pests without using pesticide.

Jack, who will now enjoy an eco-holiday worth £1,000 with his family, was presented with the Future Friendly Little Hero Award in London’s Royal Botanic Gardens for his work promoting sustainable living.

He said: “I love looking after and protecting the countryside and ferreting is a good way to control the number of rabbits without damaging crops and the environment. I hope other children and grown-ups will see the benefits of ferreting.”

His mother, Jo Chedgzoy, said she was very proud of her boy.

She said: “He spends every minute he can outside in the country air instead of sitting in front of a television.

“He has a great passion for the outdoors and really cares well for his ferrets.”

Jack was nominated for the award by Ferret Time magazine editor Anne Robinson, who said he is “an inspiration to us all”.

Jack also fosters and rehomes ferrets and is currently fostering 20 baby ferrets as well as caring for his 10 working ones.