Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, expanded his knowledge of shooting thanks to the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Mr Parish visited Ashley Clay Shoot near Tiverton for a shooting lesson. The shoot, located on the edge of the Exe Valley, offers challenging targets over steep banks and hills. He was guided through the layout by BASC-accredited coach Roy Peacock.
As a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shooting and Conservation, Mr Parish was interested to see a shooting business in his own constituency and the visit gave the opportunity to explain the scale of shooting in Devon and the wider region.
Neil Parish said: “It was great to visit Ashley Clay Shoot and have a coached lesson. Shooting plays a major role in the rural life of Devon – not least for employment and bringing visitors to the area. Shooting is worth £280 million annually to the South West economy and is a sector that I will continue to support.”
David Gervers, regional director of BASC South West, said: “This was a great opportunity for shooting to show off its popularity and presence in rural life. The sport continues to grow in the region, which has some of the highest quality shooting in the country. Shooting continues to make an important economic contribution to rural areas such as Tiverton, where money from national and international visitors is spent to the benefit of small businesses such as hotels and restaurants.”