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As the pheasant season gets underway, Julia Newman shares her top tips to help you prepare for your days in the field.
- - Features
- - Features
5 minutes with Alex Farrell
As we near the Glorious Twelfth and the start of the shooting season, we ask BASC’s head of uplands a few questions about his role and the importance of uplands.
Q. You have worked at BASC for several years. Could you tell us about your previous role and how your current position is different?
In my previous role at BASC, I worked as the game and wildlife advisor. Much like my current position, the role was diverse, with no two days being the same. I dealt with a broad range of topics related to gamekeeping, such as general licences, trapping, training police and others in wildlife crime, promoting sustainable shooting practices, and collaborating with civil servants and partners on critical issues. My work also involved providing information, support and advice to gamekeepers, members and other stakeholders regarding changes in legislation or best practice guidelines.
A lot of these aspects have continued into my current role but with an uplands focus. The primary difference is that I now engage directly with institutional landowners, regulators, and other organisations on a wide range of issues.
Q. Is your role just about grouse shooting, or it is much more than that?
My role extends far beyond just grouse shooting. The focus of my work is ensuring decision-makers, external stakeholders and the public understand the benefits sustainable shooting in the uplands bring to rural communities and the environment.
One of the aspects I enjoy the most is helping people learn more about what happens on a moor throughout the year, not just during the shooting season. Most people might only see images of Guns in butts, but they often don’t know about, or understand, the extensive year-round work involved in managing these landscapes. A real highlight for me is attending Let’s Learn Moor and seeing children and teachers alike engage in the day’s activities.
Q. What benefits do uplands bring to the environment, wildlife and people?
Well-managed moors offer significant benefits to the environment, wildlife, and local communities. The mosaic of habitats fosters a wide range of flora and fauna including many red-listed species. Grouse shooting provides economic benefits, which include generating jobs and supporting local businesses, particularly in rural areas. It brings people who in turn spend money in local shops, hotels, petrol stations, clothing suppliers… the list goes on. It’s a real trickledown effect.
This encourages land conservation and management, preserving landscapes for future generations. Recreational opportunities, like grouse shooting, promote outdoor activities, connecting people with nature and enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Overall, these practices balance conservation efforts with socio-economic advantages.
Q. And what is so special about grouse shooting that makes it appear on most shooters’ bucket lists?
Any shoot day is special, however, a day on the moor notches it up significantly for me. The unique appeal of grouse shooting lies in several factors. Firstly, the stunning landscapes and challenging terrains provide a truly exhilarating experience, offering a sense of adventure and connection with nature that is hard to match.
Secondly, the behaviour of the grouse adds to the excitement. Their fast, low flight patterns require quick reflexes and precise shooting, making the sport both demanding and rewarding. The camaraderie and tradition associated with grouse shooting also contribute to its allure, particularly in the beating line. Sharing the day with friends and enjoying the countryside creates lasting memories.
Overall, the combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging game and rich traditions makes grouse shooting a truly special and sought- after experience for many Guns.
Q. To wrap things up, what’s your favourite pastime?
Aside from being out in the field, be it rough or pigeon shooting or stalking,
I find great pleasure in cooking and occasionally indulge in sea fishing when time allows. Interestingly, I’ve yet to experience fly fishing, a pursuit I’m eagerly looking forward to exploring this year.
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Alex Farrell
Alex is head of uplands at BASC.
He has a keen interest in all types of shooting sports, especially rough shooting and pest control. He is also keen on gundog training and generally being outdoors and enjoying the countryside with his family.
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