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BASC Fighting Fund drives High Court battle on gamebird releasing
BASC’s legal challenge against Natural England has cleared a major hurdle, with the High Court granting permission for our claim to proceed — and rejecting Wild Justice’s attempt to intervene.
This is a significant moment in the fight to protect sustainable gamebird releasing and the shoots, clubs and rural communities who depend on it.
At the heart of the case is Natural England’s decision to impose a licensing regime for the release of pheasants and red-legged partridges on or near Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
BASC believes this approach is legally flawed, unnecessary and disproportionate — particularly for shoots that have operated responsibly for generations under established codes of practice.
The High Court has agreed there is a case to answer. A full hearing is expected later this year.
Importantly, the court refused an application from Wild Justice to participate in the proceedings, ruling it is not directly affected and that its involvement would not materially assist the court.
Standing up for members
BASC’s deputy director of conservation and environmental lawyer, Dr Marnie Lovejoy said: “We believe Natural England’s legal advice on gamebird release licensing is wrong. The High Court has recognised that our case deserves to be heard. We will continue to fight for fairness, for evidence-based decision-making and for the shoots directly impacted by these changes.
“Sustainable gamebird releasing, carried out in line with existing codes of practice, delivers environmental benefits. Imposing a blanket licensing system on shoots and clubs that have long supported conservation and nature recovery is unnecessary and burdensome”.
Your Fighting Fund in action
This case is being fought because BASC members made sure we were ready. BASC’s Fighting Fund — built and backed by members — exists for moments exactly like this.
When shooting faces legal or political threats, the Fighting Fund allows BASC to act immediately, instruct expert legal teams and take decisive action in the courts. Without the Fighting Fund, there would be no High Court challenge. This is your organisation standing up for you and shooting.
If your shoot has been affected by Natural England’s gamebird release licensing system and you need advice or guidance, contact your local BASC team here. We are here to support you.
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Conor OGorman
Conor O’Gorman has worked in a variety of conservation, policy and campaigning roles at BASC over the last 20 years.
A zoology graduate with a PhD awarded for grey partridge research, he has over 25 years’ experience in conservation and land management.
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