BASC Northern Ireland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union have joined forces to put farmers who are in need of pest control in touch with people who shoot.
The new scheme will allow members of both organisations to get together to try and prevent damage caused by pests.
BASC NI is now calling on members in Northern Ireland to get in touch to register for the scheme.
Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: “The most effective way of reducing pest damage is by shooting but some farmers have reported difficulty in making contact with shooters. Therefore the BASC NI team is offering to put BASC NI members in touch with their local farmers who may be experiencing difficulties with pests.
“We have previously worked with the Ulster Farmers’ Union on a number of legislative issues that have been of mutual interest such as the Welfare of Animals Bill and the Dogs (Amendment) Bill and we are delighted to be able to work with the UFU again on this initiative."
Ian Marshall, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president, said: “Farmers have an increasing problem with pest control on farms and this scheme provides a win-win situation for shooters and farmers. BASC get access to new areas for shooting opportunities and farmers get much needed help with pests that are damaging crops and spreading disease. I would hope all BASC members would register as soon as possible to get the scheme up and running."
If you would like to join the scheme, contact the BASC Northern Ireland team on 02892 605050 or email nire@0ld.basc.org.uk with your BASC membership number, postcode and mobile phone number. BASC NI will put UFU members in touch with their closest registered BASC members. The scheme will be launched at the end of August once the register of shooters has been compiled.
A similar control scheme for pigeons was launched by BASC and the NFU in East Anglia in March.
ENDS
Pictured is Ian Marshall (left), Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president, with BASC Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne (right).