REFORM’S Shadow Minister for Food, Farming and Rural Affairs, Laura Anne Jones MS, has praised the contribution shooting makes to rural Wales following a visit from BASC, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Wales, to Keepers Lodge Farm in Llanishen, Monmouthshire.

Shooting activities contribute £190 million to the Welsh economy every year and supports approximately 3,000 jobs.

Laura Jones MS said: “Shooting is an integral part of the cultural, economic and environmental fabric of Wales. It supports jobs, brings money into rural communities and helps sustain tourism and hospitality businesses all year round.

“For many rural areas, especially during the winter months, these activities are an economic lifeline.”

The visit was focused on the conversation benefits linked to shooting and countryside management. Shooting and its associated habitat creation and management, deliver significant environmental benefits including £26.8 million through carbon sequestration, £1.2 million in public health benefits, £15.1 million in recreational value and £4.2 million in food, farming and forestry value.

“Reform wants the new Welsh Government to recognise the invaluable contribution shooting makes to rural Wales, to our environment and to our economy, and to support it and the works of BASC in Wales.

“Species action plans are really needed in order to protect species, agricultural crops, forestry and native flora and fauna here. I hope that the new Welsh Government recognise the necessity for them, or we are going to lose some species forever.

“As for Clay Pigeon shooting, I love doing this, and I would highly recommend trying it to everyone. We have great place across Wales, including at Keepers Lodge Farm right here in Llanishen in Monmouthshire.