New inquiry to examine the value of shooting in Wales

More News

The NGO were delighted to be invited to the launch of an inquiry on the value of shooting and practical conservation in Wales, which took place at the Royal Welsh Show.

David Pooler, Chairman of the NGO and Regional Chairman for North Wales attended the launch of the inquiryon our behalf. 

Speaking after the event, he said:

“The NGO are delighted to have a seat with and contribute to the Cross-Party Shooting and Conservation Group, chaired by James Evans MS. This inquiry is hugely important, as we know that shooting and conservation activities in Wales deliver approximately £200 million to the rural economy with approximately 3,000 jobs.

“Many of our hotels and other business rely on shooting activities to support them from October through the season until the warmer weather arrives and the traditional tourist season starts.”

The Senedd Cymru Cross Party Shooting and Conservation group will be researching the economic contribution of shooting and associated activities to the Welsh economy. The inquiry will focus on four key areas:

• Employment
• Tourism
• Health and wellbeing
• Biodiversity

The results of the inquiry will be published in a report that will set out practical recommendations for future governments.

James Evans MS for Brecon and Radnorshire and Chair of the Cross Party group explained:

 “A lot of farm shoots across Wales are going to have to change the way they operate in order to deal with the Sustainable Farming Scheme. We will be calling for evidence from stakeholders for our inquiry.

“This piece of work will inform not only this government but the next government. It will submit clear and practical ways we can improve shooting and conservation across Wales, and in doing so we will improve the prospects for shooting across Wales and make sure this great sector continues for generations to come.” 

Note to Editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, the organisation has around 13,000 members.