Update on United Utilities and sporting leases

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Since we first heard that United Utilities were planning not to renew any sporting leases on their land, the NGO have been working tirelessly. The NGO were instrumental in organising a community meeting with our Aim to Sustain partners, and have been talking to keepers and landowners who will be affected by this decision, writing to United Utilities about our concerns, and working closely with our Aim to Sustain partners to ensure that every base is covered. 

Yesterday evening (Monday 7th August), our Aim to Sustain partners at BASC managed to have a constructive conversation with the chief executive of United Utilities Louise Beardmore. We understand that in response to the concerns we have all raised over the last few weeks, she has agreed to carry out independent reviews of the 23 shoots that will be affected by UU’s decision. BASC understands that the “status quo” will remain for shoots on United Utilities land while the reviews are undertaken.  

The NGO are pleased that Ms Beardmore appears to have taken the concerns of the communities affected by the company’s decision on board. The NGO hope that the shoots affected are able to use the reviews promised by Ms Beardmore to show United Utilities the excellent work that keepers and land managers are doing on the ground, and to demonstrate the losses that will occur if the changes go ahead – be that to wildlife and plant life, to the rural economy or to the community more widely. The positives that moorland management brings to United Utilities’ land have already been explained, and we hope that the shoots are able to demonstrate these positives in their review. 

Although this is a positive step, it is vital that we do not rest on our laurels. John Clarke, Regional Development Officer for the NGO said: “It is good news that United Utilities have agreed to conduct a review of the shooting estates affected by their plans, but it is a shame that they didn’t look at the evidence before launching headlong into this decision. As an organisation we have already been in contact with Ms Beardmore and are more than willing to engage with United Utilities to ensure that all parties affected by their decision can have their voices heard.”