THE BDS NORTH WEST BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) North West England branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH Area aND COMMITTEE

BRANCH CONTACTS
Chair | Iain Richards | chairnorthwestengland@bds.org.uk |
Secretary | Judy Richardson | northwestengland@bds.org.uk |
Treasurer | Giles Thornley |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Additional Committee Members
Alice Cushnie
Andy Massingham
Craig Parkinson
Nick Jackson
Rob Slaughter
Simon Roch
RANGE CONTACT
All BDS/BASC/NGO members are welcome to join us on range days providing they have a current FAC and pre book/pre pay.’
BRANCH AREAS
Postcode | Area |
BB | Blackburn |
BL | Bolton |
CA | Carlisle |
FY | Blackpool |
IM | Isle of Man |
L | Liverpool |
LA | Lancaster |
M | Manchester |
OL | Oldham |
PR | Preston |
SK | Stockport |
WA | Warrington |
WN | Wigan |
EVENTS
Date
Event
23 July 2022
Quad Bike Course
7 & 8 Sep 2022
Westmorland County Show, Crooklands
10 & 11 Sep 2022
Lancashire Game Show, Scorton
25 Sep 2022
Range Day at Grayrigg
22 Oct 2022
Eskdalemuir ‘long’ Range Day
See below for more details on these events.
NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT
No upcoming events, please check back soon.
NEWS
Events for 2022
We have a good mixture of branch events coming up and some have a limited number of places – so please book early to avoid disappointment.
The branch is looking into the feasibility of holding another quad (ATV sit-astride) and a first ‘buggy’ (ATV sit side by side) course as well as an EFAW+F training event. To register an interest please email northwestengland@bds.org.uk FAO Nick Jackson
It will be great to meet up with as many of our branch or BDS members as possible this year, either at arranged events or shows.
If you are knowledgeable on deer and related matters and have time to help on our stand at one of the shows or at our other events, please email your details to northwestengland@bds.org.uk and we’ll be in touch.
NB If you have a 6kg gas bottle surplus to requirements and can donate it to the branch for use when cooking at events please email northwestengland@bds.org.uk FAO Giles Thornley
Quad Bike Course Sat 23rd July
Sorry, fully booked
Westmorland County Show Wed 7th/Thu 8th September
We will have a stand at this event so drop by and have a chat with us, it’s always good to meet with our members and the wider public to talk about current deer-related matters.
Lancashire Game Show Sat 10th & Sun 11th September
We will be here again so please swing by if you are attending as it’s a great opportunity to get feedback from branch members old and new. A local show that needs support.
Range Day at Grayrigg – Sunday 25th September
To reduce waiting times attendees are asked to book a slot in advance and arrive at least 45 minutes before their slot for signing in and the safety briefing. Shooting slots are from 10.00 to 13.00 or 14.00, depending how many are attending.
This is a BDS Range Day, any non-FAC holders need to be a BDS member or join BDS on the day. Requirements: FAC (if not above), deer legal rifle/ammunition, rifle slip, ear defenders, sticks, breech flag & in date membership card.
There will be a raffle, free tea and coffee (please bring your own mug), bacon butties £2 until 11am then venison burgers £4 until 2pm. Help will be available for novices (ask when booking please). Advice on non-lead ammo also available.
Contact for booking is northwestengland@bds.org.uk FAO Andy Massingham and a prepayment of £13 is required before the day.
Eskdalemuir ‘Long’ Range Day – Sat 22nd October
The BDS NW & NE England branches are holding another ‘long’ range day. This will be on Gardner’s Guns’ 1km range at Eskdalemuir, Dumfriesshire, targets from 100m out to 1km. If you are new to long range shooting, there will be experienced LR guys attending who can help you. The shooting area is covered should it be wet weather.
Cost payable in advance is £55, limited places available. To book please email northwestengland@bds.org.uk FAO Simon Roch

STAY IN TOUCH
If your contact information has changed please make sure to let us know. To update your details simply email membership@bds.org.uk or call 01425 655434.
LATEST NEWS

Restoring forests in the Cairngorms one burger at a time
Cairngorms Connect has launched a new project marketing venison, to share the story of forest expansion in the Cairngorms.

BDS Response to the Defra Consultation on Proposed Deer Management Strategy
The British Deer Society (BDS) has reviewed in detail the consultation on proposed deer management published by Defra on the 4th of August 2022. Whilst we welcome the consultation in general terms, and in particular the intent to develop a wider market for venison, we have serious concerns about some of the proposals.

Firearms and Mental Health – Awareness and Support Leaflet
The Scottish Firearms Licensing Practitioners Group has released a leaflet providing information on mental health support for firearms license holders.

Comments about the branch


