BASC celebrates heroes of shooting and conservation

An extraordinary cast of shooting champions received recognition at BASC’s annual awards ceremony during The Game Fair at Ragley Hall in July.

Among those honoured was Lieutenant Colonel Sir Anthony Richards, who spent decades serving the late Queen and was elevated to honorary vice-president. His royal connections have proved invaluable in representing BASC’s interests to the monarchy across more than 30 years of membership.

Shooting Times contributor and GWCT legend Dr Mike Swan was also celebrated, receiving honorary life membership. With four decades of pioneering work in game management, Mike now runs a conservation-focused wild game shoot in Dorset, exemplifying sustainable shooting through a balanced approach to predator control and habitat management.

It was the grassroots heroes, however, who stole the show.

Kevin Birch, crowned Gamekeeper of the Year, has transformed the Azerley Estate through back-breaking work – laying miles of hedgerows by hand and pioneering sustainable farming practices that benefit both wildlife and shooting.

Chris Green, a passionate wildfowler and pigeon shooter, received the Prince Philip Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contribution to introducing new audiences to shooting. His captivating demonstrations and media work have spanned more than 30 years.

The ceremony also honoured the vital contributions of women in fieldsports. Sue Maidment collected the Payne-Gallwey Long Association Award for her 22 years as secretary and ambassador of the South Hampshire Wildfowlers & Conservation Association.

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Honorary Vice President

• Lieutenant Colonel Sir Anthony Charles Richards KCVO, DL

• Ian Grindy

Honorary BASC Life Member

• Dr Mike Swan

Prince Philip Distinguished Service Award

• Chris Green

• Wayne Tuffin

• Jose Souto

• Peter Catling

• Phil Fairless

Stanley Duncan Conservation Trophy

• Preston and District Wildfowlers Association

Payne-Gallwey Long Service Award

• Peter Knox (posthumous)

• Sue Maidment

Gamekeeper of the Year

• Kevin Birch

Shotgun Coach of the Year

• Phil Roughley

Special Presentation Award

• Andy Plant