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BASC awaits judgment after legal challenge against Natural England
BASC spent two days at the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) in London this week, taking its legal challenge against Natural England (NE) to the High Court.
In a case which has significant implications for shoots releasing pheasants and red-legged partridges on or near Special Protection Areas in England, Mr Justice Ritchie heard submissions from BASC and NE.
Court 18 of the RCJ was packed out for the two days with representatives of various organisations including BASC and NE.
BASC’s Judicial Review focuses on Natural England’s (NE) licensing regime, which BASC argues is legally flawed and has created unnecessary uncertainty for shoots.
Acting on behalf of its members and the wider shooting community, BASC was granted permission by the High Court to proceed on all grounds in February 2026, with the case backed by the BASC Fighting Fund.
Holding Natural England to account
Garry Doolan, BASC’s executive director of communications, said: “This case is about holding Natural England to account. Public bodies must act lawfully and provide clarity and certainty to those affected by their decisions, and we do not believe NE’s licensing regime has done that for shoots in England.
“Taking a case to the High Court is a significant undertaking, and it has only been possible thanks to the BASC Fighting Fund. This is exactly what the fund exists for – standing up for our members and the wider shooting community when it matters most.
“We now await the judge’s written judgment and will update members as soon as we are able.”
At the end of this week’s proceedings, Mr Justice Ritchie reserved his judgment in the case, which means that he will now take time to consider the evidence presented on both sides before giving his decision. We expect his judgment to be delivered later this year.
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