We’re back! Shooting returns in England

The road out of lockdown continues across the UK, with more shooting opportunities opening up from Saturday 27 March in Wales and from Monday 29 March in England.  

The great news for BASC members in both countries is that the changes mean outdoor shooting will be permitted again.

Changes in Wales from 27 March

The ‘stay local’ rule will be eased from 27 March, allowing you to travel anywhere within Wales. Self-contained accommodation (for one household) will also be permitted to open.

Changes in England from 29 March

All forms of outdoor recreational shooting will be permissible from 29 March with outdoor shooting grounds allowed to reopen. People may gather outdoors in accordance with the ‘rule of six’, or with one other household.

The easing of lockdown also allows for the return of organised sport outdoors.  It is worth noting that this is exempt from gathering limits where the organiser follows sector specific guidance. We have produced a document on Covid-compliant simulated game shooting, which organisers must follow to allow shoots to take place from 29 March.

The return of outdoor sport coincides with the ‘stay at home’ requirement being lifted in England.  However, you should continue to minimise travel wherever possible and should not be staying away from home overnight at this stage.

Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Further relaxations are expected on 2 April in Scotland and 12 April in Northern Ireland.

Support your local shooting businesses

In light of the return of outdoor shooting, Dan Reynolds, lead of BASC’s Covid taskforce said: “We are all excited to get back out doing what we love to do. Over 50 per cent of the UK adult population have received their first vaccination and Covid cases continue to fall.  There is a real sense of hope and anticipation in the air. 

“While adhering to the guidance, we ask our members to take the opportunity to support your local businesses, be it the shooting grounds or gun shops, as we tread carefully out of the pandemic.” 

For further information on the lifting of lockdown restrictions in your area, click here.