MP’s moorland education leaves lasting impression

A moorland education experience proved pivotal for Labour MP Sam Rushworth when he delivered a passionate defence of driven grouse shooting during a recent Westminster debate.

Raby Estate visit highlights conservation in action

Dr Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, attended the Let’s Learn Moor event at Raby Estate in County Durham alongside primary school children from his constituency. Just days later, he joined 10 other MPs in speaking out against a ban on grouse shooting.

During the debate, Dr Rushworth warned that banning grouse shooting would mean losing “the jobs, the schools and the wildlife” that depend on active moorland management.

Children learn about red‑listed species

At the Raby Estate event, the MP saw first‑hand how children engaged with hands‑on activities about land conservation and red‑listed bird species. He described it as “wonderful to see children out in nature” and praised their enthusiasm for learning about the importance of protecting both the moorlands and the rare birds that live there.

BASC head of uplands Alex Farrell, who accompanied Dr Rushworth on the visit, said the experience “clearly made a lasting impression as evidenced by Mr Rushworth’s input at the debate”.