The Golden Plover recognises progressive, practical and sustainable moorland management in Scotland and this year the Award theme reflects sheep farming’s role as a major upland land use. Adam Smith, Director (Scotland) of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said “The judges will be looking to identify the best…
News
A day with game cookery guru Tim Maddams
If Tim Maddams had taught me maths, I wouldn’t have dreaded afternoons of double maths and had to retake my maths ‘O’ Level. In fact, I’d probably have got an A straight off. That’s because Tim’s one of the most engaging speakers and teachers I’ve ever come across and what…
Have your say on firearms licensing
It’s heartening to hear that MEP Vicky Ford appears to be listening to BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) over proposed changes to the EU’s Firearms Directive. Ms Ford is heading up a study into the proposals. Both organisations want EU politicians to steer clear of knee-jerk new gun controls that will…
George Digweed attacked in his own home
George Digweed and his wife Kate posted a statement on their Facebook page after ‘masked men’ broke into their house and stole money, guns, trophies, medals and his vehicle. In the statement they said: “Masked men broke into the house, I was badly beaten and we were subjected to a…
Furious backlash to Countryfile feature on gamekeepers
Presenter Matt Baker spent time with students training as gamekeepers. As part of the study, students were taught to shoot deer and butcher the quarry afterwards. The point of the feature was to address some of the misconceptions the public holds about gamekeepers and the voiceover made clear that deer…
Winner of Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year
Thousands of entries were received but winner Ian Cameron impressed with his stunning images shot in the Highlands with his “ancient” camera. Ian said: “I am absolutely delighted and surprised to have won. I thought the pictures I’d entered were pretty decent and that I’d do okay, but wow! I…
Shooters urged to lobby MEPs about EU Firearms Directive
FACE UK is calling on shooters to make their voices heard by contacting their MEPs to register their opinions on proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive. Plans to tighten European gun laws were brought forward by the European Commission following two separate terrorist attacks in Paris last year. Fears…
Shooting groups help shape EU firearms review
BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) have argued for a review of proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive, in a recent meeting with MEP Vicky Ford, who is leading the European Parliament’s scrutiny of the proposals. Plans to tighten European gun laws were made following the shootings at the Charlie…
Field & Country Fair offers alternative to CLA Game Fair in 2016
The Field & Country Fair is set to be a popular annual fixture in the country sports community, replacing many of the events previously held by the now-defunct CLA Game Fair. Organised by Time Inc UK, the publishing company behind such well-respected, established and popular titles as Country Life, The Field,…
A day in the life of a gamekeeper
Gamekeepers: From long hours to relentless predators, there are many aspects to a gamekeeper's job description.
Buy your tickets for the 2016 Field & Country Fair
Buy your tickets in advance and get fast-track entry. And there are no booking fees! Advance ticket prices – book here now! Adult: £18 Student: (12 to 18) £10 Senior: £16 The new Field & Country Fair – Friday 10th June until Sunday 12th June 2016 – will feature world-renowned gunmakers, the…
Report shows UK bird numbers halved since 70s
Shooters have a “major part” to play in conserving the UK’s bird populations, say countryside groups, following the publication of the 2015 UK Biodiversity Indicators Report by DEFRA and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee last month. The report highlights the declining fortunes of Britain’s birds, with statistics showing that between 1970 and 2014…
RSPCA “at risk” of losing Royal support
The RSPCA is in danger of losing the support of the Royal Family due to its continued political campaigning, it has been claimed. A source told the Daily Telegraph last month that HRH the Prince of Wales has “fundamental disagreements” over many of the RSPCA’s key policies and has “privately voiced concerns” about…
Supermarkets up their game – literally
Marks & Spencer and Sainsburys have put in orders with Yorkshire Game, Aldi has made a deal with Highland Game and Iceland are selling grouse from Scottish Kezie Foods. Morrisons have even launched a new brand – Wild as Nature Intended. It is certainly a market that supermarkets cannot fail…
Police arrests in Devon for poaching and wildlife crime
Business and residential properties were searched to investigate alleged offences for poaching and the illegal supply of meat. Two men aged 37 and 42 were arrested for poaching offences and a further two men aged 19 and 57, and a 53 year old woman arrested in connection with firearms offences.…
Labour failing to attract rural dwellers warns report
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance commented on Twitter: Hope Labour reacts to this by increasing engagement with rural people, not ignoring them https://t.co/is3d3XCtBO pic.twitter.com/QiAMdrOvXK — Tim Bonner (@CA_TimB) January 21, 2016 In a further statement to Shooting UK, Tim Bonner added: “The last election saw the countryside…
Modern poachers are not the affable rogues of old
Thirty-odd years ago, poachers were still poaching game for their own pot, or flogging it at the backdoors of country pubs and hotels, where it would get converted into tasty game, or more accurately, poacher’s pies. There was still an element of “old country romanticism” involved. The culprits were roguish but…
Flooding hits shoots up north
Shooting estates have faced dangerous conditions and outright cancellations this season, following sustained poor, wet weather and heavy flooding across the UK. This latest period of bad weather in the north of England follows heavy rain during summer last year, which led to a lack of wild broods on some shoots. Chris…
Government publishes Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan
It makes six recommendations to help restore the population of Britain’s endangered hen harriers, including the controversial brood management measures. It proposes to monitor hen harrier numbers in the UK via satellite tagging and tracking, to share best practice with land managers and gamekeepers, to encourage the provision of food…
What’s coming up in 2016 for the shooting and countryside community?
Lindsay Waddell, chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation If the past is any sort of indicator of the future, 2016 will be a busy year for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO). The list of major issues that might alter how we go about our jobs grows ever longer by the day.…