BASC has written to the editor of every regional newspaper in the UK to highlight the benefits of grouse shooting as the ‘Glorious Twelfth’ draws near.
The letter contrasts the sound evidence of grouse shooting’s importance to fragile rural economies and conservation with the myths and propaganda spread by anti-shooting extremists.
As the UK’s largest shooting organisation, BASC has explained that grouse shooting is worth an estimated £100 million to the economy each year and supports more than 2,500 full-time jobs.
In turn, grouse shooting benefits pubs, hotels and other local businesses. In the uplands, this can mean the difference in viability for fragile rural communities.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “While August 12 is the iconic first day of the season, the obvious benefits of grouse shooting are there to be seen all year around.
“With the ‘Glorious Twelfth’ just days away, it is predictable that the anti-shooting extremists have stepped up their campaign of myths and propaganda.
“But they are not being honest with the public; they are slinging mud in the hope some sticks and ignoring sound evidence.
“The truth is that managing our uplands for shooting has benefits for conservation, preserves marginal upland communities and puts healthy, nutritious food into the market.
“Gamekeepers create outstanding habitat for many rare and endangered birds – such as lapwings – which is why the majority of grouse moors are internationally-protected habitats, rarer than rainforest. Without shooting, they would not exist.”
The letters to the editors contain a copy of the BASC infographic on the ‘Glorious Twelve Benefits of Grouse Shooting’.
ENDS
For more information, please contact BASC's press office on 01244 573007 or email press@basc.org.uk
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