BASC awaits judgment after High Court challenge to Natural England

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has completed a two-day High Court hearing in its legal challenge against Natural England over the way shoots are licensed to release pheasants and red-legged partridges near Special Protection Areas in England. Mr Justice Ritchie reserved his judgment at the end of the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and a written decision is expected later this year.

What is BASC challenging?

BASC’s judicial review focuses on Natural England’s licensing regime, which the association argues is legally flawed and has created unnecessary uncertainty for shoots operating on or near Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The case has significant implications for anyone releasing pheasants and red-legged partridges on protected land in England. The requirement to hold a licence to release gamebirds on or near European protected sites has been a source of concern across the sector for several seasons, with BASC arguing that the way the scheme has been administered has left shoots unclear about what they must do to comply. BASC was granted permission by the High Court to proceed on all grounds in February 2026, and the challenge is backed by the BASC Fighting Fund.

What happened at the Royal Courts of Justice?

BASC spent two days at the Royal Courts of Justice this week, with Mr Justice Ritchie hearing submissions from both BASC and Natural England. Court 18 was packed for the duration, with representatives from a range of organisations attending to follow proceedings. At the close, the judge reserved his judgment, meaning he will take time to consider the evidence from both sides before giving his decision.

What has BASC said?

Garry Doolan, BASC’s executive director of communications, said: “This case is about holding Natural England to account. Public bodies must act lawfully and provide clarity and certainty to those affected by their decisions, and we do not believe NE’s licensing regime has done that for shoots in England.”

He added: “Taking a case to the High Court is a significant undertaking, and it has only been possible thanks to the BASC Fighting Fund. This is exactly what the fund exists for – standing up for our members and the wider shooting community when it matters most.”

Doolan said BASC now awaited the judge’s written judgment and would update members as soon as it was able.

What happens next for shoots?

Mr Justice Ritchie is expected to deliver his written judgment later this year. Until then, the existing licensing arrangements for gamebird releases near Special Protection Areas remain in place, and shoots planning releases on affected ground should continue to follow Natural England’s current guidance. BASC has said it will update members as soon as the judgment is known. Members can follow developments through the BASC website at basc.org.uk.