BASC

A major call for evidence is underway and the voice of shooting needs to be heard.

With Defra gathering evidence on game shooting, this special episode looks at what’s being considered, why it matters and crucially how everyone connected to shooting can make their voice heard before the 1st November deadline.

BASC’s Michelle Nudds explains what’s at stake and why first hand experiences matter, gundog trainer Ben Randall joins us after his call to action video went viral and England international rugby player Ollie Sleightholme talks shooting, stalking, the people he’s met along the way and why he’s lending his support.

LINKS:

BASC’s online email tool:
https://basc.org.uk/thevoiceofshooting/

Defra’s official online questionnaire:
https://consultations.defra.gov.uk/call-for-evidence-on-gamebird-release-shooting-and-welfare-during-rearing-in-england/survey

Send evidence by post:
A printed or handwritten letter to - Defra, Gamebirds call for evidence, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF

As wildfowlers return to the foreshore for another season, we explore the passion for wildfowling and the work being done to protect its future.

BASC's Head of Wildfowl and Wetlands, James Green, discusses the organisation's wildfowling roots, the latest on consenting and the Schedule 2 review, sustainable shooting and how the permit scheme is opening up opportunities to experience the sport. He also takes us behind the scenes of a new documentary telling the story of wildfowlers and their relationship with the places they help look after.

On the Ribble, Chris Kelly of Preston and District Wildfowlers Association shares some remarkable examples of conservation in action, including creating rabbit warrens for nesting shelduck.

Wildlife artist Chris Lodge reveals the inspiration behind 'Wigeon on the Ribble', this year's BASC Wildlife Fund stamp and how one very special bird, ‘Blue 88’, became part of the story. 

If you haven't purchased your stamp yet, you can do so through the BASC Wildlife Fund website.

https://bascwildlifefund.co.uk/

What happens on a moor, who looks after it and why are thousands of schoolchildren brought here every year?

Tom Evans heads to the Yorkshire Moors for Let's Learn Moor,  a unique day where classrooms are swapped for hands-on experiences.

Meeting gamekeepers, mountain rescuers, gun dog trainers, dry stone wallers and conservationists, Tom discovers how one day outdoors is helping inspire the next generation to understand and value Britain's uplands.

Tom looks ahead to this year's event at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (24–26 July), exploring what's new, why The Game Fair continues to thrive nearly 70 years after it first began and what visitors can expect across this three-day celebration of the countryside.

Joining us is James Gower, CEO of The Game Fair, who takes us behind the scenes, revealing what it takes to keep the show evolving while staying true to its roots.

Dick and Angel Strawbridge (Escape to the Chateau), who discuss countryside life, family cooking and the story behind this year's rabbit recipe.

Finally, Lewis Thornley, BASC's central director, talks us through the great member benefits and why The Game Fair remains such an important event for the countryside community.

What really happens once the shooting season comes to an end? 

In this episode we explore the work, planning and countryside management that continues long after the final day in the field.

Guests include BASC's deputy director of shooting and operations, Terry Behan and Paul Childerley from Childerley Sporting, who discuss the realities of the off-season, from habitat conservation and shoot preparation, to deer management, sustainability and the growing interest in food provenance.

This episode shines a light on the relentless work that keeps the countryside moving long after the shooting stops.

Recorded at The Stalking Show, this episode features BASC’s chief executive, Ian Bell, discussing DEFRA’s England Deer Impact Policy Statement. While there is broad support for improving deer management, Ian raises concerns about potential barriers, particularly around proposed mandatory training.

We also explore the future of deer management, including BASC’s new flexible DSC1 online course designed to widen access to training, and the urgent need to bring through the next generation, as the average age of deer stalkers continues to rise.

What does it take to go from good...to Olympic champion?

In this episode of the BASC Podcast, we explore the world of competitive clay shooting, from grassroots participation to the Olympic stage.
Nathan Hales relives his gold medal winning performance at Paris 2024 and the focus required to deliver under pressure.
Leading down-the-line shooter Sarah Milroy shares how she found the sport and what keeps her striving to improve.
We also hear from BASC’s engagement manager for Wales, David Boden, on how more people are discovering clay shooting and what’s being done to make the sport more accessible than ever.

For shoots nationwide, the end of the season marks the start of some of the most crucial planning.

This episode explores the journey of wild game from the field to the table and the decisions that need to be made now to ensure a smooth season ahead.

We explore the practical considerations of where your game will go, how it’s processed and the infrastructure, compliance and forward planning needed to make it all work. 

Whether you’re thinking about expanding distribution, connecting more with your local community, or taking greater control of where your game ends up, now is the time to plan.

We’ll also highlight how excellence across the entire supply chain is celebrated through the Eat Game Awards, which showcase the people and businesses championing British wild game. 

The Wild Game Guide

This episode is your end of season reset. We’re talking gun care, why it matters, what’s often overlooked and how a bit of attention now can protect your shotgun or rifle for years to come. 

Whether your gun’s been out every weekend or sitting quietly in the cabinet, proper maintenance makes all the difference when next season rolls around.

Our guests include...

BASCs south east regional officer, Fliss Winters, highlighting how gun maintenance fits into the wider routine of a shooting day.

BASC's Central regional director, Lewis Thornley, shares practical advice on maintaining the accuracy-critical areas of a rifle.

Darren Hartshorne from Midcounties Blacking shares behind the scenes stories from the workshop, showing how neglect can lead to serious problems.

In this episode we explore the reality of crime in the countryside, from poaching and hare coursing to the theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery. We hear directly from the people dealing with these offences day in day out and find out how policing is adapting to meet the challenge.

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, explains how modern poaching has evolved, why hare coursing is now treated as organised crime and how new legislation is starting to deliver real results.

We’re also joined by Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, to discuss the growing threat of rural and agricultural theft and what farmers and rural workers can do to protect themselves.

Plus, Tom heads out on patrol with Sergeant Paul Brady from the Rural Engagement Team at Essex Police, to see first hand how rural crime is policed on the front line.

And finally, we catch up with BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, following his recent lifetime achievement award for his long standing work tackling wildlife crime.

A rare behind the scenes look at the people, partnerships and policing keeping the countryside safe.