BASC has donated £7,000 of legacy funding to a conservation scheme to take youngsters onto Yorkshire’s grouse moors.
North Yorkshire Police has already given £3,000 from their Police Property Fund to enable hundreds of six to 11-year-olds to visit the moors, help with conservation tasks and learn about the region’s unique habitats and wildlife.
The additional support from BASC’s legacy fund will enable more schools to take part and will allow the scheme to run into a second year, with support from a number of local partners including the North York Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO).
BASC north regional officer Gareth Dockerty said: “These conservation days will provide an unforgettable experience for youngsters who may not even be aware of the local habitat and will allow them to find out all about life on the moors through the eyes of a local gamekeeper and through tailored activities.
“We have received as fantastic response to our plan to run this scheme for the first time this summer. The legacy funding will support this work for a second year and will allow even more youngsters to see the nature on their doorsteps. It is a fine example of shooting and conservation working hand in hand in the local community.”
BASC uses legacy gifts to promote and safeguard sporting shooting and are vital in allowing the UK’s largest shooting organisation to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “Those who kindly remember BASC in their wills enable us to do so much more to promote and safeguard sporting shooting.
“We are always extremely careful in the way in which we redistribute this legacy funding. This initiative on the North York Moors perfectly fits the purpose of legacy donations.
“Some of these young people may have little direct experience of local habitiats, but by visiting the grouse moors they will see conservation at first hand and sample the fascinating wildlife which is unique to their region. In opening up this opportunity, the benefits of this scheme may be seen for generations to come.”