BASC

This episode is your end of season reset. We’re talking gun care, why it matters, what’s often overlooked and how a bit of attention now can protect your shotgun or rifle for years to come. 
Whether your gun’s been out every weekend or sitting quietly in the cabinet, proper maintenance makes all the difference when next season rolls around.
Our guests include...
BASCs south east regional officer, Fliss Winters, highlighting how gun maintenance fits into the wider routine of a shooting day.
BASC's Central regional director, Lewis Thornley, shares practical advice on maintaining the accuracy-critical areas of a rifle.
Darren Hartshorne from Midcounties Blacking shares behind the scenes stories from the workshop, showing how neglect can lead to serious problems.

In this episode we explore the reality of crime in the countryside, from poaching and hare coursing to the theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery. We hear directly from the people dealing with these offences day in day out and find out how policing is adapting to meet the challenge.
Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, explains how modern poaching has evolved, why hare coursing is now treated as organised crime and how new legislation is starting to deliver real results.
We’re also joined by Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, to discuss the growing threat of rural and agricultural theft and what farmers and rural workers can do to protect themselves.
Plus, Tom heads out on patrol with Sergeant Paul Brady from the Rural Engagement Team at Essex Police, to see first hand how rural crime is policed on the front line.
And finally, we catch up with BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, following his recent lifetime achievement award for his long standing work tackling wildlife crime.
A rare behind the scenes look at the people, partnerships and policing keeping the countryside safe.

Step behind the scenes of a shoot day as we explore the world of beating.
Beating is far more than simply walking through cover, it’s a finely tuned system where people and dogs work together to try to flush the birds towards the guns, all rooted in generations of countryside knowledge.
In this episode, Tom joins the beating line to experience that rhythm firsthand. From early-morning preparation to dogs weaving through thick bramble, to the teamwork that keeps everything running smoothly, he gets a true ground-level view of what happens out in the field.
All of it takes place on the Norfolk Estate in the historic Sussex Downs, the perfect setting to explore the craft, camaraderie and culture behind a successful shoot day.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the fast-moving world of optics, from binoculars and rifle scopes to thermal spotters, night-vision and drone technology. Whether you’re shooting, stalking, or surveying wildlife, understanding what those numbers, magnifications and features actually mean can make all the difference.
Joining us are three guests who bring their own expert perspectives:
Lewis Thornley, BASC’s central regional director, on how to choose the right optics for your needs and make the most of them in the field.

Paul Hodson from HIKMICRO, sharing expert insight into the latest thermal and night-vision technology, what’s new, what’s next and how it’s reshaping fieldcraft.

Ben Harrower from BH Wildlife Consultancy, who’s using drones and aerial imaging to support conservation and wildlife monitoring, revealing how new innovations could transform deer management.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of gundog breeds, their traits, their roles and what makes each one unique. From the field to the fireside, these dogs are not only skilled working partners but also loyal companions.
We’ll be focusing on the core gundog types, Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers & Setters and HPRs (Hunt, Point, Retrieve). 
With the help of our expert guests, we’ll take a tour through each breed, exploring their strengths, working styles and the qualities that make them such reliable partners for handlers.
Guests & Timestamps:
Natasha Surtees — Retrievers (1:30)

Richard MacNicol — Pointers & Setters (11:45)

John Bailey — Spaniels (22:15)

Jim Bird — HPR (Hunt, Point & Retrieve) (34:00)

Glynn Evans (BASC) - Head of Game and Wildlife Management (46:50)