BASC is calling on the Welsh government to invest in shooting to help it achieve its aim for the sustainable management of natural resources.
In a response to the Welsh government’s consultation to inform the development of its Natural Resources Policy, BASC outlines ways in which shooting in Wales contributes to the sustainable management of natural resources including safeguarding and increasing carbon stores; improving health and equity through access to good quality green and blue spaces; improving the quality and connectivity of our habitats; and retaining the distinctiveness of our places and historic landscapes.
In its response, BASC recommends that the Welsh government funds the development of shooting sports in Wales to help improve habitat and species management, recreation and food production.
BASC already works in collaboration with the Welsh government and Natural Resources Wales on invasive alien species control through its Green Shoots Wales project, on the Welsh Game Meat project and Greenland White-fronted Goose conservation.
Ian Danby, BASC’s head of biodiversity projects, said: “This consultation looks at key themes such as using nature to help solve challenges like flooding or climate change and improving community involvement and well-being. Shooting contributes wholly to these policy themes. Not only does shooting generate £75 million to the Welsh economy each year it involves the management and creation of our natural environment. Shooting is also an inclusive recreational activity that connects people to the countryside and encourages them to look after it.”
Robin Marshall-Ball, a Welsh-speaking member of BASC council, said: “Shooting plays a massively important role in protecting the Welsh countryside for this and future generations. The effort people who shoot put into conservation is amazing and is the equivalent of 490 full-time conservation jobs in Wales. We hope that the Welsh government will recognise that supporting shooting sports is to support the good management and enhancement of our natural resources in Wales.”
ENDS