BASC’s conservation work has been recognised by being shortlisted in the inaugural Great British Shooting Awards.
Voting is now open for the awards, which aim to give recognition to the products, organisations and people that lead the way in shooting sports.
BASC has been shortlisted in the ‘outstanding contribution to conservation’ category.
People can vote in this and 10 other categories here.
Voting closes on 31st January 2019 and judges will review the results before the winners are announced at an exclusive ceremony on 16th February at the British Shooting Show.
Caroline Bedell, BASC’s executive director of conservation, said: “We are delighted to have had the efforts of our organisation recognised by being shortlisted.
“This reflects hard work that people who shoot are doing for conservation. The conservation benefits of shooting and its role in enhancing biodiversity are well documented.
“People who shoot spend 3.9 million work days on conservation – the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs. Nearly two million hectares are actively managed for conservation as a result of shooting.”
Robin Marshall-Ball, a member of BASC Council and conservation specialist, said: “I’m so pleased that BASC’s contribution to conservation and biodiversity has been recognised by this nomination.
“Sporting shooters have a vested interest in maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity on the land over which they shoot and their practical and often voluntary conservation work often goes unrecognised. This nomination emphasises the importance of the ‘C’ in BASC.”
The other categories are: Shooting Apparel, Optics of the Year, NV/Thermal Product of the Year, Ammunition of the Year, Rifle of the Year, Airgun of the Year, Shotgun of the Year, Gamekeeper of the Year, Professional Stalker of the Year and Retailer of the Year. A 12th category, the Lifetime Achievement award, will be decided solely by the awards’ expert judging panel, which includes BASC chief executive Ian Bell.
Peter Carr, group editor-in-chief of field sports at awards organiser Future Publishing, said: “These awards are hugely exciting and the recognition will be richly deserved by those in the field sports world who work so hard to keep our livelihood and sport going.
“Overseeing the judging hit home to me just how excellent the products and people in this industry are. Across every category I can wholeheartedly say that any of the shortlisted entries would be a deserving winner. I can’t wait to see the results of the vote and to crown our inaugural winners in February.”