Frequently Asked Questions
About the research
The project has seven primary objectives:
1. Gather data to produce estimates of the scale, nature and impacts of shooting in the UK, across all types of shooting activity – from live quarry disciplines such as rough shooting, pest control, driven game, deer stalking and wildfowling, to target shooting disciplines such as clay shooting, small/full-bore rifle shooting and airgun field target.
2. Using recognised and robust methods, assess the economic contribution to the UK in quantitative terms, including tourism and downstream/supply chain impacts (e.g. cartridges, gundogs, accommodation).
3. Evaluate the environmental contribution to the UK in quantitative terms, to cover conservation work, habitat management and wider environmental contributions like pest and predator control.
4. Assess the social contribution to the UK in quantitative terms, to cover mental wellbeing, physical activity, social relationships, community benefits, local business, conservation motivations, skills/apprenticeships, and education.
5. Assess the distribution and value of game meat in economic and supply chain terms – from how game enters the food chain to types of game meat and its economic and business value.
6. Produce data that can be used to compare changes in key statistics over time (where the methodology allows).
7. Produce objective, robust evidence that can withstand public scrutiny.
Underneath these objectives sit other more detailed requirements and topics of study, such as shoot practices and land use.
The research was undertaken by a consortium led by Cognisense.
The project team have between them extensive experience in running complex research projects. Together the team have delivered robust, reliable, and objective research.
The research team was appointed following a national and impartial tender process. The process was overseen by the project steering group, which is made up of representatives from all the partner and supporter organisations. The steering group appointed a smaller sub-group of representatives to engage in the tender process and act as a selection panel. The tender process was initiated in 2020, with interviews in early 2021. The process was run with fairness and equality in mind, and applicants were assessed using structured and transparent scoring systems. Cognisense received an incredibly high score at both the application and interview stage of the process and was subsequently awarded the contract. Throughout the tender process, the panel tested the ability of the applicants to deliver a robust and objective piece of research, and was impressed with the winning contractor’s professional, impartial and rigorous approach.