Countryside Alliance opens search for proud shoot managers and gamekeepers

The Countryside Alliance is on the search for proud shoot managers and gamekeepers who are willing to host a 'Countryside Alliance shoot walk' this summer. Our shoot walks are aimed at boosting the public's understanding of shooting, be it in the upland, lowland or wetland.

Shooting provides £2 billion to the UK economy, 74,000 full time equivalent jobs and, importantly, £250 million a year directly on conservation. Throughout the summer the conservation benefits are on full display and it is the Countryside Alliance's intention to show these benefits to as many people as possible. Last year's walk on Ilkley Moor was a particular success, with members of the Ramblers commenting on how much they had enjoyed meeting a gamekeeper and learning about the contribution shooting makes to conservation. Now the Alliance needs more shoot managers to open their ground up to the public for an afternoon's guided walk.

Liam Stokes, Head of Shooting at the Countryside Alliance, said: "Shoot walks offer a fantastic opportunity for those who have never had a chance to learn about game management and conservation to see the numerous benefits at first hand.

"Increasing public understanding of shooting is a key priority for the Countryside Alliance. To do this we need to break down barriers between people who shoot and people who don't, to show that we are ordinary people with a passion for conservation as well as for shooting. To start these conversations we invite specific groups that regularly use the countryside, such as ramblers, fell runners and bird watchers, to attend shoot walks and meet people involved in shooting.

"We are on the search for shoot managers willing to offer up a couple of hours of their time this summer, in order to showcase the fantastic work that they do. We will arrange the visit and a member of the Countryside Alliance Campaign for Shooting will attend on the day. Together we will bypass all the noise and misrepresentation we see on social media and in the press, and have an open and honest conversation about people's concerns, while showing off the conservation benefits of shooting."

If you are involved in game management and are willing to showcase your work in a fashion that will aid the future of shooting please get in touch with the Countryside Alliance, via [email protected].

Notes to editors:

Read the article on one of last year's shoot walks.