From the Game Farm: Defra’s call for evidence, the Rural Reset and why now is the time to be heard

Defra has recently launched a call for evidence on gamebirds. This exercise comes on the back of the Animal Welfare Strategy and the publication of the Land Use Framework. It was not unexpected. With the process coming to an end on 1 November, however, there is not much time to act. This is where, yet again, the value of our various shooting organisations comes to the fore. A significant proportion of the call for evidence relates specifically to the welfare of gamebirds during breeding and rearing, and the Game Farmers’ Association (GFA) will be working hard over the coming weeks to help its members to make worthwhile submissions, as well as making our own contribution and working with our trade members, especially those in the veterinary profession.

The GWCT will, I’m sure, have a lot of supportive evidence that Defra needs to see, but you could be forgiven for expecting it to be aware already of such research since almost all of it is published by a world-renowned, research-based charity and much of it is peer-reviewed. Plus, we have been trying to get it to take notice of it for more years than I care to remember. I’m equally certain that other organisations such as BASC, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO), the Countryside Alliance, the Moorland Association and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) will be informing their members on how they can get involved.

Since each organisation has its own focus and attracts subtly different sections of the shooting demographic, they will be able to tailor their messaging to best suit their members. I am sure that the varied responses from the different shooting organisations and their members will be a comprehensive answer to all those critics who think that shooting would be better served by a single organisation.

The Rural Reset campaign

In the grand tradition of impeccable timing, the Countryside Alliance launched its latest campaign in September and I was privileged to be invited to the event. Several hundred people gathered in Westminster to hear some inspiring words from Lord Blunkett, Baroness Batters and Lord Cameron, among others. Where else would you find a Labour peer, a former NFU president and a former prime minister sharing the stage, all calling on the Government to listen to the countryside? While Lord Blunkett’s guide dog undoubtedly stole the show, the message, and the passion with which it was delivered, could not have been clearer – it’s time for a ‘Rural Reset’.

Visit your MP

The Defra call for evidence is very specific in its scope and many people who are part of the shooting world will not feel able to participate. Every one of them, however, together with anyone who is supportive of the countryside more widely, can get behind the Campaign for the Countryside. Lord Cameron, especially, made a very good case for visiting your MP, not to rant but to explain calmly what the countryside means to you and how it is not being listened to.

Again, your membership organisation has people who can help with advice on how to approach such a meeting, but the important thing is to do something. At the very least, anyone with a smartphone or a computer can add their support to the Campaign for the Countryside by visiting ruralreset.org where, with a few clicks or taps, you can send a letter of support for the countryside to the Prime Minister, adding your voice to the call.

The outcome of the current battle involving the call for evidence may prove to be decisive in the fight to protect shooting, and it is vital that the whole shooting world makes the most of the opportunity to have a positive impact on the process. Now, more than ever, unity and common purpose must be at the forefront of our thinking. If we can collectively shout loud enough, then maybe, just maybe, they will hear us for a change.