Scottish grouse bill – where we are now
Following last week’s vote on Stage 2 amendments to the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, Peter Clark gives a summary of events.
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BASC out and about
As we embark on the first few days of the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on what your local BASC teams got up to in 2025, and highlight some of the opportunities BASC members have to look forward to in 2026.
BASC’s operational staff are one of the key benefits for members of the association. They offer a local contact for you; one who understands the issues in your area or can accurately reflect how national issues impact on a regional basis. It is important, therefore, that all BASC members receive a consistent, quality service regardless of where they live in the UK.
Planning for 2025 began way back in the middle of 2024, ensuring that our delivery was focused on what our members need. This will always be a mix of proactivity and reactivity.
Much of our proactive work involves organising educational and engaging events for young people, and providing the opportunity for adult members to upskill themselves, too. This is all while assisting with the ongoing process of educating politicians and decision makers.
Our ability to react is equally as important; being ready to answer a phone call or email, stepping up to help when a member needs us.
We pride ourselves on the service we provide and are constantly evaluating how we can improve and be more efficient. We do not have a perfect model, however, I am very proud of what the team delivers day in, day out. If you want to attend an event in 2026 or need support or advice, I want us to always be there for you.
A year in numbers
Here are some stats which show what our regional and country teams achieved in 2025.
Education and outreach
- BASC engaged with more than 34,000 young people across the UK in 2025, highlighting the benefits of sustainable shooting for people and nature. Last year we shifted our focus to secondary school-aged children and older – the voters and decision makers of tomorrow.
- Last year saw the highest ever number of women holding BASC membership, part of our broader approach to ensure shooting is inclusive and appealing to all.
Training and education
- We delivered more than 160 formal courses, demonstrating our commitment to self-regulation while upskilling our community.
- We ran 13 bespoke courses for key stakeholders such as Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
- 2,329 people took part in our shotgun and airgun coaching lines at The Game Fair, the Scottish Game Fair and the Royal Welsh Show alone.
Firearms
- We handled more than 9,000 firearms enquires from members across the UK.
- Our teams attended 81 formal engagements with firearms licensing departments.
In your area
- Our regional and country teams undertook 335 shoot engagement visits, a free bespoke service for BASC members and affiliated shoots.
- In England alone, BASC representatives met with 65 MPs in their constituencies.
- BASC’s regional social media accounts generated in excess of 1,000 posts, informing our members and promoting sustainable shooting.
- We ran 56 “introduction to shooting” events, ensuring that people can discover our sport in a safe and appropriate manner.
- We delivered 21 wildlife crime or police firearms training days across the country.
Looking forward
While it is always good to reflect, we also look forward to what is to come in 2026. BASC’s working gundog classes at Crufts, the Eat Game Awards 2026, and a new partnership with The Stalking Show are just three of these things taking place in the early part of this year.
Don’t forget also that BASC members get complimentary entry to all three days of The Game Fair in July, a benefit that more than 30,000 of you took advantage of last year.
So if you’re a member and need expert, tailored advice or assistance, contact your local BASC team here. You can also find and book events and courses we’re running, plus find out what shows we’re attending, via our events pages here.
And if you’re not yet a member of BASC, what’s stopping you? Join us here today.
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Gareth Dockerty
Gareth is Executive Director of shooting operations at BASC. Having joined the organisation in 2016, Gareth’s role focuses on ensuring decision makers, stakeholders and the public understand the benefits of shooting for upland habitats and rural communities.
Do you know someone worthy of a BASC award?
BASC is inviting nominations for its prestigious annual awards, recognising individuals for outstanding contribution to shooting and conservation.
