BASC receives conservation award from European hunters’ federation

The BASC Wildlife Fund has received an award for its contribution to wildlife conservation from FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation).

The award, for ‘excellent contribution to the FACE Biodiversity Manifesto’, recognised the BASC Wildlife Fund as the Best Fund for Wildlife Conservation. 

The BASC Wildlife Fund provides loans for land purchase and grants for conservation projects, financing schemes that create and restore natural habitats where wildlife (both quarry and non-quarry species) can thrive. Since January 2020, more than £467,000 has been awarded in grants to fund a variety of projects in the UK and abroad.

The award was presented to BASC chairman Eoghan Cameron at a recent meeting of the FACE General Assembly in Brussels.

The awards panel made mention of a number of BASC Wildlife Fund-supported projects, including:

Restoration of wetlands at Poulton Court: A grant of £23,913 was awarded to Gloucestershire Wildfowling and Conservation Association for a project focused on the creation of new wetland ponds and scrapes for breeding and wintering waders and waterfowl.

Boa Island recovery project: The Lough Erne Wildfowling Council is working to recover wader populations on Boa Island through habitat improvement and predator control, as well as education for farmers, wildfowlers, and the wider public. The project has received £25,000 over the last five years.

Wetland creation on the Humber: A grant of £35,790 was awarded to Barton-on-Humber Wildfowlers to support the creation of more than 28 acres of wetlands for wildfowl, waterfowl, waders, and other wetland species in a place currently covered with grassland.

More recently, the fund has approved backing for a range of projects, including hen harrier brood management and Capercaillie recovery in the Scottish highlands. 

BASC executive director of conservation, Caroline Bedell said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is a true testament to the dedication and efforts of all BASC members who have actively participated in the many projects supported by the BASC Wildlife Fund. 

“Shooting plays a vital role in the creation and preservation of natural habitats, ensuring their protection not just for today, but for future generations.”

Secretary General of FACE, David Scallan said: “The BASC Wildlife Fund is a great example of how the game shooting community invests in diverse wildlife conservation projects, including significant waterbird habitat restoration. It’s a template for others to follow.”