BASC files Judicial Review claim against Natural England

BASC believes that NE’s licensing regime remains legally flawed and continues to cause unnecessary difficulties for shoots trying to comply with the law.

At the heart of the case is concern that NE has wrongly interpreted the definition of ‘release’ to be when birds are placed into secure release pens, rather than when they are released into the wild. BASC contends that this interpretation is incorrect and goes beyond what the law allows.

In addition, BASC is challenging NE’s decision to extend licensing requirements beyond the legal boundaries, forcing shoots to obtain licences even when they are releasing birds outside of designated SPA zones.

BASC continues to warn that NE’s approach risks undermining conservation efforts. Much of the habitat management and species protection carried out across the countryside is made possible through sustainable shooting. Shooting contributes over £500 million annually in conservation work, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs, delivering outcomes that cannot be easily replicated by the public sector.

BASC chief executive, Ian Bell, said: “While we welcome Natural England’s decision to amend the misleading notes about lead shot, the core issues remain unresolved. The licensing system is still legally flawed, confusing, and creating unnecessary barriers for those working hard to manage the countryside responsibly.

“We are launching this Judicial Review on behalf of our members because they are entitled to clarity, fairness and a system that recognises and supports the essential work they do for wildlife, habitats and rural communities.

“We remain committed to working constructively with government and its agencies, but we will not hesitate to act when decisions put jobs and the future of sustainable shooting at risk.”