BASC awards GWCT grant to help in the fight for shooting

BASC has pledged a £300,000 package to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) that will support research underpinning shooting’s value and importance in conservation.

BASC has offered its backing as the GWCT manages the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on its events-based fundraising initiatives.

The two-part donation will help GWCT with a cash donation and finance a programme of research into sustainable game management.

The importance of research

BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “We recognise the importance of the contribution that GWCT makes to key, peer-reviewed science as it effects shooting and conservation.

“Their heavy reliance on fundraising means they were badly hit by the virus but we need them to be in robust, good shape to produce the research which informs so many of the debates around shooting and conservation.”

GWCT chief executive Teresa Dent said: “BASC’s decision to support us in this way is the strongest possible endorsement for our model of using science to influence policy, practitioners and the public.

“On behalf of all at GWCT, I offer my sincere thanks to BASC’s council, staff and all their members. Their support could scarcely have come at a more helpful time.”

The specific details of the research programme have yet to be decided but will focus on sustainable game management, an existing priority for GWCT’s research.

The GWCT seeks to show that well-run operations deliver net biodiversity gain, encouraging those involved in shoots to aim for higher standards.