Police donation to BASC funds school trips on grouse moors

Hundreds of primary school children will get the chance to head out on to grouse moors for a learning experience with BASC gamekeepers, thanks to North Yorkshire Police

Conservation work carried out by children on the moorland

North Yorkshire Police has donated £3,000 to BASC, which will be used to enable hundreds of primary school children to experience first-hand the work done on conservation on grouse moors and  to meet the people who do it.

The grant came from the Police Property Fund, which turns unreturnable stolen or recovered goods into grants that are donated  to local community groups.
BASC will use the money to take children aged between six and 11 on experience days on the North York Moors to help with conservation tasks and learn about habitat and wildlife unique to the region.

An unforgettable experience

BASC north regional officer Gareth Dockerty welcomed the donation and commented: “We applied for this funding to create opportunities for primary school children to really engage in learning about the wildlife and environment  on their doorstep.

“These conservation on grouse moor days will provide an unforgettable experience for youngsters who may not even  be aware of the local habitat and  will allow them to find out about life  on the grouse moors through the eyes  of a local gamekeeper and through tailored activities.”

“Close to my heart”

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dave Jones judged applications for this round of  funding alongside his Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, and was keen to support BASC’s application with one of the fund’s largest ever grants.

Mr Jones said: “This project —  one that is close to my heart in my role as the national police lead for rural and wildlife crime — will see children in our region enjoying a special conservation experience on the  North York Moors.

“On one of these days, the young people — who may have little direct experience of our local habitat — will visit the grouse moors, help out with conservation tasks and learn about the environment and fascinating wildlife unique to our region.

“It feels right that the proceeds from stolen goods are providing  a bit of extra support to community ventures, rather than lining criminals’ pockets,” he added.