Welsh gamebird releasing consultation – guidance and background
Game shooting in Wales is under attack. Read our guidance and background information and complete the consultation today.
MP sees conservation in action during BASC Wales visit
BASC Wales recently welcomed Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick to a shoot within his constituency to showcase the work of the estate to benefit conservation, biodiversity and the local community.
During the visit, BASC Wales‘ engagement manager, David Boden, highlighted how the lowland partridge shoot is helping to fund extensive upland management work. The aim is to restore habitat and support one of the UK’s most threatened bird species, the curlew.
Working in collaboration with the local farming community, the estate has achieved significant conservation success, with double-figure numbers of curlew nests now recorded across the ground.Â
Much of the estate comprises upland habitat, where ongoing management is helping to create the conditions needed for wildlife to thrive.
Support of sustainable shooting
The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how income generated through sustainable shooting supports a range of conservation activities, including predator management and controlled burning. These measures contribute to healthier upland landscapes while supporting species recovery and biodiversity.
BASC’s team also discussed the wider environmental benefits of well-managed heathland. Healthy heather moorland stores significant amounts of carbon, supports a diverse range of birds, invertebrates and plant species, and helps conserve globally rare habitats. Areas of regenerating heather can also provide valuable wildlife corridors and nesting opportunities for a variety of species.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continued support for upland management in Wales, recognising the contribution these landscapes make to conservation, tourism, recreation and public wellbeing.
Tangible conservation benefits
David Boden said: “The visit provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the tangible conservation benefits that can be delivered when land managers, farmers and the shooting community work together.
“This estate is a fantastic example of how sustainable shooting can help fund habitat management and species recovery projects that produce measurable results. The increase in curlew nesting activity is a testament to the dedication of those involved and highlights the importance of maintaining the tools and management practices that support conservation success.
“We were pleased to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Welsh uplands and to show first-hand the positive contribution that shooting makes to wildlife, habitats and rural communities.”
Mr Chadwick thanked the team from BASC Wales and those involved in the visit for the opportunity to see the conservation work being undertaken and to discuss issues affecting the management of Wales’ upland landscapes.
Share
BASC welcomes Virginia Crosbie MP to Welsh Game Fair
Virginia Crosbie MP attended the Welsh Game Fair to show her support for her rural constituents, hundreds of whom are BASC members.
BASC will ‘not hesitate to take legal action’ against Welsh Government
Read our letter to Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, regarding the use of modern humane cable restraints to protect ground-nesting birds.