Cultural recognition for shooting

Protecting rural and coastal traditions

Across the world, rural and coastal lives and livelihoods face growing threats. Economic pressures, environmental challenges and increasing demands on land management all put strain on those who live and work in these areas.

In the UK, social attitudes and environmental policy shifts add complexity. Well-intentioned measures can sometimes overlook the communities that have shaped these landscapes for centuries.

It’s ironic that while many celebrate traditional “stewardship” abroad, less recognition is given to the customs, skills and practices that shape our own countryside.

Living heritage in the UK

Our relationship with the natural world is deeply rooted in living heritage – from folk music and hedge-laying to cheese-making and fishing. Shooting traditions form a vital part of this heritage, encompassing wildfowling, puntgunning, pigeon shooting, game shooting and deer stalking.

Skills and knowledge are passed down through generations. Related crafts such as British gun making and the breeding of gundogs also reflect this cultural importance.

Shooting on the global heritage stage

In 2003, UNESCO launched the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ratified by more than 180 countries, it celebrates practices that define cultures worldwide.

Activities such as Mongolian throat singing and French breadmaking have been recognised. Field sports have also gained acknowledgment, with falconry and hunting horns now listed as examples of global living heritage.

The UK’s living heritage lists

The UK government is developing separate national inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These lists will celebrate traditions that define local culture and identity.

A first submission window will open soon, allowing individuals and organisations to propose cultural practices for inclusion.

Why shooting must be included

Some might question the need for “official” recognition, yet inclusion on these inventories offers more than symbolic value.

Recognising shooting’s living heritage builds pride within our community, informs policymakers and educates the public about our contribution to the countryside. It also strengthens the legitimacy of practices often misunderstood or misrepresented.

If shooting traditions are excluded from these inventories, it would overlook generations of rural knowledge and a vital part of British history.

BASC’s role in protecting living heritage

At BASC, we’re taking proactive steps to ensure that shooting voices are heard. We are consulting with members, gathering evidence of shooting’s cultural importance, and working with like-minded organisations to represent shooting and rural heritage fairly across all UK inventories.

This work will safeguard, record and celebrate our heritage while providing compelling stories of how shooting continues to shape our environment and culture. It also supports the case for shooting’s role in environmental management and conservation.

Looking ahead

Living heritage is not only about the past — it’s about the present and the future. From coast to moor, the UK’s rural landscapes continue to be shaped by shooting.

Recognising that role is vital for anyone who values the countryside, conservation and national identity.

To get involved or share your story, contact Patrick O’Reilly at patrick.o’reilly@basc.org.uk.