BASC will help shooting interests address concerns in the new Marine Bill which has been announced in the Queen’s Speech.
BASC has been consulted by Defra and Natural England from the outset to ensure that the interests of shooting are properly represented.
BASC’s land management policy officer, Conor O’Gorman said: “The exact alignment of the coastal route can only take place during the roll-out phase and following consultation with local shooting interests. The draft Natural England guidance sets this out clearly and includes a section on shooting.”
He added: “BASC will help those with shooting interests engage fully during the roll-out phase of this project so that their concerns are addressed.”
BASC would not normally expect the coastal route to follow estuaries inland but where estuaries are included we expect the spreading room not to include salt marshes and mud flats. This will help to protect nature conservation interests, and to ensure public safety.
The question of dogs requires further work. BASC’s position is that members of the public accessing spreading room should keep dogs on leads to avoid disturbing game, protected species and other wildlife.
ENDS