BASC calls for meeting over university pheasant plans

BASC has written to the University of Wales following reports that a lease for pheasant shooting on land it owns has lapsed.

The letter seeks a meeting to clarify the situation at Gregynog Hall in Powys and outlines the benefits of shooting to the environment and economy.

BASC Wales director Steve Griffiths said: “Leases do lapse. What we are working to establish is what the future holds for pheasant shooting at Gregynog Hall.

“We understand the University of Wales is reviewing the structure and arrangements for Gregynog Hall and will be seeking assurances that any future decisions are based on scientific evidence and fact and that pheasant shooting will start again when the season begins again in October.”

Peter Watson, a member of BASC Council, said: “The value of shooting sports to the Welsh environment and economy are huge.

“Shooting is worth £75 million annually to the Welsh economy, it invests £7.4 million in the maintenance and enhancement of natural resources each year and supports the equivalent of 2,400 full-time jobs.

“It would be a crying shame if that tradition was to be impacted by a loss at a place of higher education which has such a long and proud history.”