The UK’s largest shooting organisation has appointed Caroline Bedell as its executive director of conservation.
Caroline has more than 25 years’ experience of the rural economy and environment. After obtaining a degree in rural land management, she qualified as a rural practice chartered surveyor.
She spent the first 10 years of her career advising and managing rural property portfolios and advising clients on environment and conservation issues.
The second half of her career was spent with the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), where she lobbied government at national level on issues relating to public rights of way and open access.
She then became Midlands director and led the regional team’s policy and lobbying activities, engaging with MEPs, MPs and a wide selection of committees and boards.
Caroline said: “I am privileged and honoured to be appointed to this exciting new role and I look forward to working with the experienced staff team and BASC members to raise public awareness of the vital and important work that shooting undertakes for rare habitats and species in the UK.
“I want to help ensure BASC is well placed to shape the debate at all levels of government so that shooting’s value to conservation is understood.”
BASC chairman Peter Glenser QC said: “We are delighted to welcome Caroline to BASC.
“Shooting and conservation go hand in hand and the benefits of the conservation work carried out by people who shoot are huge.
“Almost two million hectares are actively managed for conservation in the UK as a result of shooting, shoot providers spend nearly £250 million on conservation and people who shoot spend 3.9 million work days on conservation – the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs.
“Caroline’s appointment enables us to ensure the voice of shooting and conservation will be heard even louder and clearer.”
When there is a moment spare, Caroline works her spaniels on shoots and enjoys the camaraderie of a shoot day.