Introduction
It's easy to view shooting as just a pastime, but a closer look reveals a complex and dynamic system deeply intertwined with the economy, the environment, and the very fabric of rural communities.
This blog post explores the findings of an in-depth study - The Value of Shooting - revealing the significant ways shooting shapes the British countryside.
The Economic Engine: More Than Just a Sport
Shooting's contribution to the UK economy is substantial, far exceeding what many might assume. It’s a significant economic driver that generates revenue, supports jobs, and fuels a wide range of industries.
Here are some key financial impacts:
£3.3 billion is the annual Gross Value Added (GVA) of shooting to the UK economy. GVA is a standard monetary measure of the value of economic activity attributed to a sector, broadly including wages and profits.
The sport generates a staggering £9.3 billion in wider economic activity. This includes the direct impact of spending on goods and services, as well as the indirect effects on supporting industries.
Shooting activities support the equivalent of 67,000 full-time jobs (FTE). These jobs span a wide range of roles, from gamekeepers and shoot managers to retail staff and hospitality workers.
Shooters spend £4.4 billion annually within the UK-based supply chain, showing the vast network of businesses that benefit from shooting.
Shooting providers and volunteers contribute £500 million in conservation work, which is equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs. This demonstrates the dedication to environmental stewardship within the shooting community.
These figures demonstrate that shooting is not just a hobby for a few, but an important economic force that contributes significantly to the UK economy. This activity isn't confined to urban areas, either; it significantly supports rural economies and sustains local livelihoods.
The Complex Supply Chain
The money spent by the shooting community flows through a complex supply chain, supporting a diverse range of businesses. This includes:
Manufacturers and importers of firearms, ammunition, and shooting equipment.
Wholesalers and retailers specializing in shooting gear, clothing, and accessories.
Providers of accommodation and catering services for shooting parties.
Land management services, including game rearing, habitat maintenance, and pest control.
A multitude of other businesses that serve the needs of the shooting community.
For instance, The Sportsman Gun Centre, highlighted in the report, is a prime example of a large supplier. This company employs 61 people, with a turnover of over £21 million, and provides a wide range of guns, ammunition, and shooting accessories, both for retail and trade markets. This case study demonstrates the significant scale and impact of businesses within the shooting supply chain.
The Unseen Conservationists: Protecting Our Countryside
Beyond the economic benefits, shooting plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and habitat management. This aspect of shooting is often overlooked, but the study highlights the significant contribution made by the shooting community in protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Key points include:
7.6 million hectares of land are actively managed for habitat and conservation as a direct result of shooting activities. That is about 31% of the 24.5m hectares of land in the UK.
Shooting providers undertake a broad range of conservation activities, spending an average of £10,000 per year on environmental improvements. Some providers even invest more than £50,000 on these projects.
This work is valued at £500 million, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs, and it demonstrates the commitment of the shooting community to environmental stewardship.
Half of shooting providers create or maintain cover for game and wildlife and/or feed songbirds over the winter gap.
The conservation efforts by shooting providers involve a variety of activities, including:
Pest and predator control: 65% of providers control pests and predators to protect wildlife.
Woodland management: 53% manage woodlands, creating better habitats for various species.
Cover crop maintenance: 51% create or maintain cover for gamebirds and other wildlife.
Winter feeding: 48% of providers put out feed for songbirds over winter when other food sources are scarce.
Habitat creation: Many providers are involved in creating and maintaining conservation areas, as well as hedgerow management and creation, and pond and wetland restoration.
Monitoring wildlife: Many providers carry out both informal and formal wildlife monitoring activities including bird surveys and using trail cameras.
The report points out that farmers who support shooting are often more likely to enhance biodiversity on their land. The income generated through shooting can help to fund these essential conservation efforts. Gamekeepers, for example, play a critical role in looking after game species, their habitats, and the other wildlife that share their space.
The Impact of Pest Control: A Closer Look
Pest control is an essential part of conservation efforts, and the shooting community plays a vital role in managing pest species. By controlling these populations, they help to protect biodiversity and reduce the economic impact of pests. The report highlights that in 2022:
2.5 million woodpigeons were taken, mainly to protect crops.
710,000 corvids were controlled.
360,000 rats were taken.
110,000 mustelids were controlled.
50,000 foxes were taken.
These numbers showcase the scope of pest control efforts undertaken by the shooting community. This work is essential for protecting other bird species, wildlife, and the overall health of the ecosystem.
Wellbeing, Community, and Social Bonds: More Than Just a Sport
Shooting has a profound impact on the well-being and social connections of participants. The study reveals the ways shooting can enrich people's lives, and build and strengthen communities. Key benefits include:
Three out of four people who take part in shooting say it's important to them and their personal well-being.
Nine out of ten participants cite exercise and fresh air, being part of a community with a shared purpose, and connecting with nature as key motivators for their involvement.
Shooters are less likely to feel lonely than the average UK citizen, indicating that shooting offers important social benefits.
Four out of five shooters belong to a syndicate or group, which enables them to engage with others in the community.
The social aspect of shooting is particularly important in rural communities where there may be fewer opportunities for social interaction. The report mentions that local pubs often serve as social hubs for the shooting community, providing a place for people to gather, socialize, and strengthen friendships.
The Social Fabric: Strengthening Communities
The social benefits of shooting extend beyond the actual activity itself. It creates an environment for:
Exercise and fresh air: The physical nature of shooting activities encourages being outdoors and active.
Engagement with nature: Participants are immersed in the natural environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the countryside.
Connection with like-minded individuals: Shared interests and activities create strong social bonds and friendships.
A sense of community: Being part of a club or syndicate fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
Maintaining links to local heritage: Shooting is often tied to local traditions and history, and participating helps to preserve these links.
Putting Healthy Food on the Table: The Role of Game Meat
An often overlooked aspect of shooting is its contribution to the UK food chain. The study emphasizes that game meat provides a healthy and sustainable alternative to other meats. Key highlights include:
95% of game, rabbits, and woodpigeons shot entered the UK food chain in 2022.
The sale of game meat generated £59 million for the UK economy.
Venison accounts for the majority of income from game meat sales (59%), followed by game birds (31%).
The income from meat sales is divided between shooting providers, who generated £49 million, and individuals, who generated £10 million.
The report also stresses the health benefits of game meat. It is often free-range, additive-free, and lower in saturated fats. Despite these benefits, many people have never tried game meat, often because of misconceptions about its taste and preparation. This is an area that needs to be promoted further, as it represents a sustainable and healthy food option.
The Geographic Reach: Spanning the UK
The impact of shooting is felt throughout the UK, but some areas benefit more than others. The study provides a breakdown of the economic and social contributions in different regions:
England benefits from 89% of the total economic activity generated by shooting, representing £7.8 billion, 129,000 jobs, and £2.9 billion in GVA.
Scotland accounts for almost 9% of the overall economic impact, with £760 million in economic activity and 14,100 jobs.
Wales generates 2% of the overall economic impact, with £190 million in economic activity and 3,000 jobs.
Northern Ireland contributes less than 1%, with £50 million in economic activity and 700 jobs.
England is where 85% of shooting days take place.
The report notes that these figures are based on the location of the provider rather than the specific location where the activity takes place.
Conclusion: A Rich and Complex Picture
Shooting in the UK is far more than just a sport; it is a complex system that makes significant contributions to the economy, the environment, and the social well-being of participants. The study has revealed the broad impact of shooting across a number of areas:
Economic and societal benefits: The sport provides significant economic stimulus, supports numerous jobs, and contributes to a vast supply chain.
Environmental stewardship: The shooting community is deeply involved in habitat management, conservation efforts, and pest control.
Rural management and conservation: The economic value of shooting helps to support conservation activities, and farmers are encouraged to improve biodiversity.
Well-being of participants: Shooting provides valuable opportunities for exercise, fresh air, social interaction, and engagement with nature.
Healthy food: Game meat is a sustainable, healthy and delicious alternative to other meats.
Social media engagement: Many participants use social media to find information about shooting, build connections within the community, and engage with others.