Groups plan study on shooting

THE THREE main associations representing countryside pursuits have agreed to pool resources and commission new research into the economic and environmental benefits delivered by shooting and fishing.

“We expect it to be very revealing on the importance of shooting and fishing in sustaining local economies and communities,” said Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance.

The Joint Economic Study report will be funded by the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, Country Land and Business Association and CA.

It will cost £150,000 over two years and is due to be completed by the end of 2005.

The JES report will measure the benefits to the environment and wildlife populations of planting hedgerows and woodlands to improve and enhance shooting.

The report will also measure and quantify the importance of shooting and fishing in supporting farm diversification projects, rural enterprise and the tourism industry.

“This will be the first verifiable update of the economic impact of shooting and fishing to the UK economy,” said Mr Hart.

“We expect there to be some very surprising figures for some in there.

“For instance a similar survey in Scotland revealed that fishing adds more to their economy than golf,” he added.