BASC has explained the conservation benefits of shooting to the BBC in a broadcast which examined a public consultation being undertaken by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
The half-hour ‘Eye on Wales’ radio programme featured an interview with BASC’s head of biodiversity, Ian Danby.
It is estimated that shooting in Wales supports 490 full-time conservation jobs and influences 380,000 hectares of land.
Ian explained how the management of woodlands and cover crops for shooting supports a vast amount of wildlife.
Ian told the programme: “If you want to have good shooting, then you need to provide the habitat for the species.
“Woodland management is really important for shooting and a pheasant shoot provides value because it gives a piece of woodland a function. And the planting of cover crops ensures a huge range of wildlife benefits off the back of it.”
The NRW consultation about the use of firearms on its land runs until April 25 (click here to have your say)
BASC provided a detailed response to NRW’s initial request for evidence last year, with more than 50 references to reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers provided for consideration.
BASC’s submission demonstrated how the use of firearms by professional employees and members of the public contributes towards NRW’s purpose of ensuring that the country’s environment and natural resources are sustainably managed, enhanced and used.
Ian added: “We call on all those who shoot in Wales to submit responses to the public consultation. It is important that the wider shooting community ensures its voice is heard in this process.”
