BASC raises serious concerns over misleading WWT film

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC has expressed serious concerns over the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) releasing a misleading and factually inaccurate video.

The film, published today (Tuesday), is based in a fictional game restaurant and implies all game meat is poisonous. BASC considers the video to be damaging to the reputation of game shooting and food-related businesses linked to sustainable shooting.

BASC is also astounded that the video can be released by an organisation whose Chief Executive – Sarah Fowler – enjoyed an evening as a guest of the sector-leading Eat Game Awards in 2024.

Garry Doolan, BASC’s deputy director of communications and public affairs, said: “BASC has previously collaborated with WWT on conservation projects, and we are deeply disappointed by their decision to take this approach. This video is not only factually incorrect and misleading but also undermines the credibility of a conservation charity that positions itself as being evidence-based.

“BASC considers that it is irresponsible for WWT to be dealing in rhetoric rather than concentrating on its scientific remit. The inclusion of species such as pheasants and grouse – neither of which are wetland birds – further highlights the lack of focus and accuracy in their messaging.

“Rather than advancing conservation efforts, this poorly conceived attempt at humour has only served to diminish WWT’s reputation.”

BASC is considering the wider implications of the video and its potential impact on the Association’s future relationship with the WWT.

Watch the video here:

 

[Pellet Pinger]

Is that not Packham’s daughter?

 

[palmer_mike]

If it’s factually incorrect and damaging to businesses then should BASC consider a lawsuit?

 

[hairlesshunter]

Is that not Packham’s daughter?

Stepdaughter I believe

 

[finnbear270]

Stepdaughter I believe

Well say no need to say any more then?

 

[Liveonce]

If it’s factually incorrect and damaging to businesses then should BASC consider a lawsuit?

Another call to write to your MP

 

[palmer_mike]

Another call to write to your MP

Didn’t get any reply to the last email I sent him regarding licence fee increases so don’t think I’ll bother

 

[jall55]

As i keep saying its time to go on the offensive - call so many of these organisations out
Mr Packhams partner i believe has a zoo - the fact that organisations cull animals and then slate us for doing for the same
Some good responses on WWT Insta actually

 

[Strike]

Stepdaughter I believe

Correct.

 

[Stumpy2]

“Throw birds a lifeline and ban toxic lead ammunition”, wildlife experts urge government

Charities, campaigners and parliamentarians are urging the government to end years of delay and decades of poisoning by bringing in a swift, complete ban on the sale and use of toxic lead ammunition in Great Britain.

www.wwt.org.uk

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

There is a longer version of the video on WWT Facebook page here:

 

[Dunwaters]

If you are going to provide your enemy with free ammunition you shouldn’t be surprised when they use it against you.
Most of the game going into the retail trade is coming from large commercial shoots and most of it is still being shot with lead, even the ducks which has been illegal for some time.
Clean up your act if you’re selling game into the retail trade and stop giving away own goals.

 

[jall55]

If you are going to provide your enemy with free ammunition you shouldn’t be surprised when they use it against you.
Most of the game going into the retail trade is coming from large commercial shoots and most of it is still being shot with lead, even the ducks which has been illegal for some time.
Clean up your act if you’re selling game into the retail trade and stop giving away own goals.

Any evidence ?

 

[mudman]

Evidence of what? Lead in ducks, unfortunately yes. Our opposition have bought wild duck from various retail outlets, analysed them for shot type, and yes a significant % contained lead shot.

 

[Dunwaters]

Any evidence ?

Evidence of what?
The case against lead is watertight, we’ve been arguing against the science for 40 years + and haven’t once managed to put a dent in the findings.
The evidence for the continued use of lead in game shoots is in plain sight on a thousand Utube videos uploaded this season alone.
The evidence that that this lead is finding its way into the food chain is also irrefutable, whenever game from retail outlets is sampled and tested the majority of the samples contain lead.
You really need to tackle this, if your product is ultra high birds and you need to use lead, then you need to accept that the carcasses are unfit for consumption and need to be disposed of properly, not sold on.

 

[jall55]

Evidence of what?
The case against lead is watertight, we’ve been arguing against the science for 40 years + and haven’t once managed to put a dent in the findings.
The evidence for the continued use of lead in game shoots is in plain sight on a thousand Utube videos uploaded this season alone.
The evidence that that this lead is finding its way into the food chain is also irrefutable, whenever game from retail outlets is sampled and tested the majority of the samples contain lead.
You really need to tackle this, if your product is ultra high birds and you need to use lead, then you need to accept that the carcasses are unfit for consumption and need to be disposed of properly, not sold on.

Dunwater
You have done it yet again - what a load of tosh - "unfit " LMAAO

 

[timbrayford]

I'm afraid that BASC made a rod for its own back by presenting prominent
anti lead shot campaigner John Swift with an honorary life membership

 

[finnbear270]

Micro plastics will see us off before lead.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

If you are going to provide your enemy with free ammunition you shouldn’t be surprised when they use it against you.
Most of the game going into the retail trade is coming from large commercial shoots and most of it is still being shot with lead, even the ducks which has been illegal for some time.
Clean up your act if you’re selling game into the retail trade and stop giving away own goals.

Is your comment aimed at BASC, the shooting organisations, or everyone that participates in game shooting in the UK and EU?

 

[countrryboy]

Evidence of what? Lead in ducks, unfortunately yes. Our opposition have bought wild duck from various retail outlets, analysed them for shot type, and yes a significant % contained lead shot.

Only illegal in eng ( possibly wales too?) to shoot ducks with lead.

But in scotland it can be perfectly legal to shoot ducks with lead shot, as long as shot not landing on wetland.

i dont know the %s of ducks found with lead shot but with many supply chains being nationwide it woyld be hard tp prove where duck was shot.

Not saying it doesnae happen still in eng.