The First Minister of Wales Visits NGO

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The First Minister of Wales has paid a fact-finding visit to the National Gamekeepers' Organisation in Powys. The Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM met Brian Hardcastle, Chairman of the Mid and South Wales branch of the NGO, the representative body for gamkeeepers, at his gameshoot near Llanwrtyd Wells. Among those present was rugby legend Gareth Edwards, a Patron of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation represents both full- and part-time gamekeepers. It defends and promotes gamekeeping, ensuring high standards throughout the profession. The NGO was founded in 1997 by a small band of gamekeepers. Its membership now exceeds 13,500. Peer-reviewed research has proven gamekeeper-led conservation to be effective in promoting an ecologically rich and biodiverse countryside.

During his tour, which took place during the close season (the pheasant shooting season runs from 1 October to 1 February), the First Minster got to grips with the practicalities of gamebird rearing and saw how pro-active game management aids the conservation of both game and non-game species, including songbirds, wading birds and butterflies. He also heard how important gameshooting is to the rural economy of Wales.

The First Minister, The Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, said: "It has been interesting to meet with the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and hear about the way responsible shooting organisations are contributing to rural life. Their work helps to improve habitats to support wildlife as well as significantly contributing to the wider economy, bringing much needed jobs and income to rural Wales."

Brian Hardcastle, the NGO's Mid and South Wales Chairman, who hosted the event, commented: "I run my shoot as a small family business. So it was a real privilege to have the First Minister at my place of work, and to have the opportunity to be able to explain to him that gamekeeping delivers big benefits both for wildlife conservation and the wider rural economy in Wales. Science shows gamekeeping to be at the heart of a healthy countryside."

Gamekeeping provides a huge financial stimulus for rural Wales. Sporting shooting benefits the Welsh economy to the tune of more than �70 million a year and supports about 2,500 full-time job equivalents. About �10 million a year is spent on conservation in Wales, securing around 350 full-time jobs in habitat and wildlife management on over half-a-million hectares*.

Rugby legend Gareth Edwards, a Patron of the NGO, said: "I know from first-hand experience that those who are involved in gameshooting and fishing hold our countryside dear. In fact, the words gamekeeper and conservationist are interchangeable. I am proud to have been able to show the First Minister that gamekeepers are some of the real heroes of Welsh conservation."

David Pooler, Chairman of the NGO's North Wales branch, and Headkeeper at Rhug Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire, said: "Our many members and supporters will be delighted that the First Minster has seized this opportunity to discuss the issues that have a very real bearing on sustainable wildlife conservation in the Welsh countryside. He had clearly done his homework in advance of our meeting."