Police donation to BASC funds school trips on grouse moors

North Yorkshire Police has donated £3,000 to BASC, which will be used to enable hundreds of primary school children to experience first-hand the work done on conservation on grouse moors and 
to meet the people who do it.

The grant came from the Police Property Fund, which turns unreturnable stolen or recovered goods into grants that are donated 
to local community groups.
BASC will use the money to take children aged between six and 11 on experience days on the North York Moors to help with conservation tasks and learn about habitat and wildlife unique to the region.

An unforgettable experience

BASC north regional officer Gareth Dockerty welcomed the donation and commented: “We applied for this funding to create opportunities for primary school children to really engage in learning about the wildlife and environment 
on their doorstep.

“These conservation on grouse moor days will provide an unforgettable experience for youngsters who may not even 
be aware of the local habitat and 
will allow them to find out about life 
on the grouse moors through the eyes 
of a local gamekeeper and through tailored activities.”

“Close to my heart”

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dave Jones judged applications for this round of 
funding alongside his Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, and was keen to support BASC’s application with one of the fund’s largest ever grants.

Mr Jones said: “This project — 
one that is close to my heart in my role as the national police lead for rural and wildlife crime — will see children in our region enjoying a special conservation experience on the 
North York Moors.

“On one of these days, the young people — who may have little direct experience of our local habitat — will visit the grouse moors, help out with conservation tasks and learn about the environment and fascinating wildlife unique to our region.

“It feels right that the proceeds from stolen goods are providing 
a bit of extra support to community ventures, rather than lining criminals’ pockets,” he added.