BASC showcases UK’s shooting sector to European MEPs

This move highlights the importance of robust data in shaping European policies that may influence UK legislation.

The latest report, conducted by Cognisense, shows that shooting contributes £3.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy annually. It supports around 146,700 jobs nationwide and generates £9.3 billion in wider economic activity.

Conservation and environmental contributions

BASC emphasised the sector’s conservation efforts. Shooting providers and volunteers carry out work valued at £500 million annually, equivalent to 14 million workdays. Additionally, habitat management and conservation activities span 7.6 million hectares of land.

Ian Bell, BASC chief executive, highlighted the broader benefits: “Shooting enriches nature, boosts wellbeing and supports the rural economy. Beyond the economic impact, shooting delivers friendship, a sense of purpose and provides healthy wild game for the table.”

European context and FACE study

The UK findings were presented within the broader FACE study showing that hunting, shooting, and related industries generate €180 billion (£156.4bn) and support over 1.1 million jobs across 30 European countries.

FACE president Laurens Hoedemaker commented: “This is great news for seven million hunters across Europe, as it shows our socio-economic value is larger than previous studies have shown.”

Policy implications

Hosted by MEP Isabel Benjumea, the meeting concluded that policymakers must recognise the substantial benefits the shooting sector provides to both society and conservation when shaping future policies.