
BASC gives evidence to government committee
BASC gave evidence on behalf of shooting and conservation to a government committee on post-Brexit environmental laws.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
BASC chief executive Ian Bell has presented the Value of Shooting report to the European Parliament, highlighting the UK aspect of the sector’s economic, environmental and social contribution across Europe.
The Value of Shooting report is the most comprehensive study of shooting’s impact in the UK. Produced by 24 partner organisations, it shows how shooting supports jobs, conservation and the wider rural economy, while also providing food, recreation and community benefit.
The presentation took place as part of launch of a landmark study by the University of Urbino, coordinated by FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation). The research shows that hunting, shooting and related industries generate €180 billion every year and support more than 1.1 million jobs in 30 countries, including all EU member states, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “Shooting enriches nature, boosts wellbeing, and supports the rural economy. In the UK alone, shooting contributes £3.3 billion GVA annually, manages over 7.6 million hectares for wildlife, and supports 146,700 jobs.
“Beyond the economic impact, shooting delivers friendship, a sense of purpose, and provides healthy wild game for the table – it is clearly of immense value to both people and nature.”
The European Parliament meeting, hosted by MEP Isabel Benjumea, heard that decisionmakers must recognise the importance of the sector when shaping policy. She said: “Hunting, sports shooting and their related sectors demonstrate strong benefits to society, which must be safeguarded, supported and actively promoted.”
The findings of the 2024 Value of Shooting support this view. Carried out by leading market research and data analytics firm Cognisense, the report details the following headline figures:
BASC gave evidence on behalf of shooting and conservation to a government committee on post-Brexit environmental laws.
Do you know the true Value of Shooting? This week’s edition of Shooting Times magazine provides a full insight.
What is BASC doing about gamebird release restrictions, introduced due to avian influenza concerns? Gareth Dockerty explains….