News | British Game Alliance

COVID Safe Principles for Game Shoots in England

Updated 27 November 2020

Now Must be the Time for Self-Regulation

A statement on the pressing need for self assurance

BGA Member Update – November 2020

Liam Stokes provides BGA members with a Q and A session.

Advice on the Tiered System that will Replace the National Lockdown in England

Although regulations currently state that the national lockdown in England will last up to and including 2 December, new Government guidance indicates that shooting will be permitted from the beginning of 2nd December.

Information for Game Shoots: Exporting Birds In-Feather After Brexit

The BGA and Countryside Alliance have been working closely with Defra to create this document.

The George Inn – Game Week Take Away Menu

The George in Vernham Dean is helping to celebrate Game Week with these tasty offerings.

New Counselling Service for Gamekeepers and Their Families

The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust (GWT) has launched a new helpline.

Celebrate Great British Game Week with the British Game Alliance and Taste of Game

‘Great British Game Week’ takes place from 23rd – 29th November in partnership with Taste of Game and the British Game Alliance.

Guidance: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

England: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) National Prevention Zone Declared

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across England, Scotland and Wales.

All Wales Prevention Zone Declared to Protect Poultry from Avian Flu

An all Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is being introduced to mitigate the risk of infection following recent confirmed cases in England, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths announced today.

Scotland: Avian Influenza Protection Measures

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared in response to cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 in GB and Europe.

Avian Influenza Identified in Wild Birds in South West of England

Routine monitoring has detected avian influenza (bird flu) in a small number of wild birds in the South West of England.

Covid-19 Restrictions Update

Lockdown in England

BGA Mycoplasma Testing

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the organism responsible for swollen heads or bulgy eye in game birds.

Government Announce English Lockdown

2 November 2020

In Conversation with Keepers: Tracy Howe

We are delighted to kick off a new blog series, ‘In Conversation with Keepers’, where we will be chatting to gamekeepers around the country about the job, day-to-day life, how to inspire young people to get involved and their experiences as BGA members.

Newsletter: October

BGA assured game into Sainsburys.

BGA Assured Game in Supermarkets

BGA logo now found in Major Supermarkets across the UK

COVID Safe Principles for Game Shoots in England

Principles updated 20 October 2020

Online Game Cookery Lesson

The Cook School Scotland and the BGA have teamed up to bring game into the home.

Welsh Lockdown

Major restrictions are being introduced as Wales enters a "firebreak" lockdown.

Risk Assessment for a Shoot

Lycetts have kindly made this risk assessment available to the BGA.

Brand Partners and Member Benefits

The British Game Alliance is delighted to announce the launch of the Brand Partners and Member Benefits for the 2020 / 2021 Season.

Can you Help our Oldest Strains of Carp?

BGA Member Shoots are at the forefront of conservation, so we thought you would be interested to hear how you might be able to help the new Wild Carp Trust.

Interview with Tristan Prudden, Head Chef at Constable Burton Estate

Tristan provides inspiration for the #BGABites Campaign

Celebrate the Best of British Game During National Curry Week

National Curry Week is 5th – 11th October 2020

Newsletter: Start of the Season

Covid-19 as the Pheasant Season Starts

Joint statement on Covid-19 ahead of the pheasant season.

GWCT’s Principles of Sustainable Game Management

The BGA Standards are underpinned by these principles.

The World Gunmakers Virtual Event by Guns On Pegs

Rogues Game Dinner ft BGA Ambassador Leon Davies 20 October 2020

The BGA is delighted to announce a very special collaboration dinner between Rogues London and British Game Alliance Ambassador and top chef Leon Davies.

BGA Bites

The British Game Alliance launches ‘#BGABites’ today, a new campaign to celebrate shoots that serve game-based elevenses and to encourage those who don’t to try it.

England: Covid Safe Shooting and Gathering Limits

Since the announcement of new restrictions the BGA has been working closely with Defra, while our partner organisations have been doing vital work with Ministers and MPs. The Government has now announced Covid-safe shooting can continue under the new gathering limits.

Newsletter: September 2020

Good Game Handling

At the British Game Alliance, we are keen to clarify the standards regarding good game handling as a key part of the BGA Assurance Scheme standards.

Wales and Scotland Covid-19 Restrictions on Social Gatherings

Further information for those in Scotland and Wales.

BGA Annual Review

Compilation of achievements and news from the last year.

Cooking Partridge

Leon Davies, BGA Chef Ambassador Gives his Top Tips for Cooking Partridge

BGA statement on England COVID-19 restriction on social gatherings

Update on shooting following the Government's latest announcement regarding Covid-19.

Partridge Teetar Tikka

Urban Rajah shows us how to make this delicious partridge recipe.

Grouse Shooting in Current Times

The Glorious Twelfth marks the beginning of the shooting season.

Shoot Member Referral Scheme

Earn 20% discount on your renewal fee

Grouse Bon Bons

Leon shows us how to make Grouse Bon Bons easy for a starter, canape or in addition to a main course.

BGA Supports the Countryside Clean-Up Campaign

Countryside Alliance’s Countryside Clean-up: 19/20th September 2020 - Initiative set up by the Countryside Alliance more prevalent than ever.

Grouse On Sourdough

This is an incredible quick but indulgent recipe, ideal for lunch.

Newsletter: August

Mac and Wild, lead update and advice on cooking grouse.

Current Lead Situation

The BGA provides an update on their position with lead.

Grouse Goujons

BGA Chef Ambassador Leon shows us how to make grouse goujons, ideal for children and those who haven't eaten game before.

Covid-19: Country Sports Framework Scotland

Advice for Scottish shoot members.

British Game Alliance Partner with Mac & Wild to Launch Grouse Cooking Kits for the Home

The BGA has partnered with London-based, Scottish restaurant and butcher Mac & Wild to create Grouse Cooking Kits, available to order from 12th August

Game Shooting Census

The Game Shooting Census by GunsOnPegs and Lycetts, is the only survey focusing on driven game shooting where the results are used to understand more, and better game shooting going forward.

COVID safe principles for game shoots in England

Outlines the principles for Covid safe operation of game shoots in England through reference to relevant Government guidance and regulation

Top Tips for Cooking Grouse

Leon Davies, BGA Chef Ambassador’s Top Tips for Cooking Grouse

12 Facts About Grouse

In honour of the fast-approaching Glorious 12th, here are 12 of our favourite facts about Grouse

The Shed Celebrates The Glorious 12th

BGA registered restaurant celebrates the start of the grouse season with a 6 course feast with BGA assured grouse at the center.

Newsletter: July 2020

Re-opening of pubs and restaurants - how we can support

British Game Alliance Expands Relationship with BigBarn

Supporting BGA processors and stockists by promoting them through Big Barn.

Chancellor Announces Cut on VAT and Vouchers

Rishi Sunak has cut VAT from 20% to 5% on food and launched a voucher initiative to encourage people to eat out in August.

The Gun Shop Interview Liam

Jonny met up with Liam Stokes, the new head of the British Game Alliance, and posed some hard questions on the BGA, it’s remit, conduct and future.

Shooting Gazette Interview with Liam Stokes

BGA CEO is interview in Shooting Gazette - July 2020

Defra: Guidance for Food Businesses on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This guidance is intended for all workplaces involved in the manufacturing, processing, warehousing, picking, packaging and retailing of food.

Claire Bosi from Chef Publishing Interviews Mike Robinson and the BGA

How has COVID-19 affected our Game Industry and what are the knock on effects?

Defra: ‘Bounce back’ Plan for Agriculture, Food and Drink Industry Launched

A ‘bounce back’ plan of trade measures for the agriculture, food and drink industry has been announced today to help support businesses that have been impacted by coronavirus.

Covid-19 Restriction Letter to The Rt Hon George Eustice MP

The British Game Alliance has joined with BASC, CA, GWCT, NGO, MA and GFA to send a letter to Ministers emphasising the importance of game shooting to the rural economy and associated industries in the context of current lockdown restrictions.

Western Morning News

Meeting the challenge of selling more game meat.

Newsletter: June 2020

Game Farms, New Standards and Jerk Grouse

Brexit Update: Border Planning

Government accelerates border planning for the end of the Transition Period

Game Farm Update

Game Farms Embrace Innovation by Joining BGA Assurance Scheme

British Game Alliance and DEFRA

The BGA is now engaged directly with DEFRA through two working groups.

BGA CEO is Interviewed for Fieldsports TV

Liam Stokes discuss the BGA with Charlie Jacoby.

Response to the RSPB Consultation

Joint letter from countryside organisations in response to RSPB Consultation.

A Welcome From Liam Stokes, BGA’s New CEO

Liam Stokes introduces himself and the BGA asks for feedback to send to Defra.

A Return To Shooting

The Countryside Alliance, has produced a paper titled – ‘A return to shooting: a phased approach to shooting as lockdown restrictions are eased’.

Newsletter: April 2020

Feeding the NHS with game and goodbye from Tom Adams.

Game Aid Launched to Help Feed NHS Heroes

Raising £25,000 to allow the countryside to provide free game meals to NHS heroes on the frontline whilst they battle Covid -19.

Complimentary Isolation Copies of Talking Game Magazine

In light of the current crisis, Talking Game Magazine will be giving a limited number of isolation copies of the current edition of Talking Game for free.

Bettws Hall Raises Funds For The NHS From The Countryside

A fundraising raffle for NHS Charities Together, Covid 19 Urgent Appeal

BGA Assured Willo Game Assists Hospitality for Heroes

BGA processor provides free venison to crowd-funding initiative.

BGA Donate Eat Wild Recipe Booklets to Consumers Through Wild and Game

Hoping to inspire and provide entertainment for those who are stuck in isolation.

Joint Communication On Antibiotic Testing

Antibiotic usage in game birds must fall.

BGA Member Shoots Continue To Go Ahead

The British Game Alliance has been contacting their members to see what next season looks like for shoots.

Keepers Guide To The BGA Audit

A breakdown of what can be expected when you have your audit.

The BGA End of Season Survey 19/20 Results Summary

The BGA recently conducted its end of season survey to give members* the opportunity to feedback on the successes and failures, as well as give both positive and constructive feedback to the organisation in preparation for the season ahead.

British Game Alliance Raises Funds For The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust

BGA working with it's members to raise funds for GWT

BGA in the Press: March 2020

Highlights from press coverage this month

The Countryside Alliance Advice: COVID-19

COVID-19 advice for shoots and shooting businesses from the Countryside Alliance

Letter From Secretary of State

George Eustace writes to those providing food for our country.

Wild Game Meat Delivery to your Doorstep

Where to get game during isolation

Braehead Foods

Scotland's Largest Game Processor to only Collect from BGA Assured Shoots

Eat Wild Stockists

Where To Buy Game Online

COVID 19

An update from the BGA on the current situation.

Moving Away From Lead Shot

A joint statement on the future of shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting

BGA Appoint New Chief Executive Officer

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Stokes as our new CEO

Great Eight Raffle

8 Estates, 8 Guns, 2 Days, 1 Night.

BGA End of Season Survey 2020

An opportunity for you to provide feedback on the BGA

January Newsletter

Bringing game to a totally new consumer

Lincolnshire Game

The UK's largest game processor will be requiring all estates to be part of the BGA assurance scheme from next season

Samworth Brothers

BGA Secures New Markets for Game with one of the UK's Largest Food Manufacturers.

BGA In The Press: December 2019

Highlights from press coverage featuring the BGA through December

January Newsletter

Introducing the new Game Farm Audits and Mycoplasma Testing

Chairman Statement

Ivan Shenkman Announces Managing Director's Departure

2019 Highlights

BGA Marketing and Events Highlights 2019

British Game Alliance Processor Update

How the BGA works with the UK's Game Processors

Lloyd’s Register (Acoura) Job Opportunity

Join the team of British Game Alliance Auditors

Celebrating British Game Week 2019

A summary of British Game Week: 25th November - 1st December 2019

BGA in the Press: November 2019

Highlights from press coverage of the BGA this month

Eat Wild – One Year On

A year of Eating Wild with the British Game Alliance

Great British Game Week

25th November - 1st December 2019

BGA in the Press

Highlights from Octobers press coverage involving the BGA

November Newsletter

BGA Opposes Licensing

British Game Alliance Logos

We explain the significance of our different logos

Market Access and Government Meetings

Discovering new avenues for game and working with government stakeholders.

Eat Game Awards

The British Game Alliance are proud to partner with the Eat Game Awards to sponsor the Best Chef Regularly Serving Game Award

BGA Interview with The Gun Shop on YouTube

Who the BGA are, and some questions from The Gun Shop's social media followers

BGA in the Press

Highlights from our September press coverage

Game Meat Monday: Jamaican Spiced Partridge in Flatbread

Another superb Game Meat Monday from Ben

Packington Estate and British Game Alliance Event

Packington Estate and the BGA partner to discuss the benefits of game meat

GWCT Lead Q&A

The GWCT answer some of the most common questions regarding lead shot

The BGA Audit

Some of the most common non-compliances on the BGA Shoot Audit

Game Meat Monday: Crispy Chilli Partridge

Another brilliant Asian-inspired dish by Ben

Polypropylene Facts

An environmentally responsible product used in our Record Books

Game Meat Monday: Duck Arancini

Another fantastic recipe by Ben celebrating the start of the duck and partridge seasons

Newsletter: August 2019

Hong Kong Deal, Dispelling Rumours, the Glorious Twelfth and Ambassadors

BGA Myths Busted

We address some of the most pressing rumours circulating

British Game Alliance Ambassadors

Learn about our Ambassador scheme and meet our Ambassadors

Trade agreement in Hong Kong and Macau

The British Game Alliance secured trade agreement for 250,000 game birds in Hong Kong and Macau

BGA in the Press

August Coverage Highlights

The Glorious Twelfth – 2019

Grouse Runs, Cooking in the Field and Fine Dining

Newsletter: July 2019

BGA monthly update: Japan, Stop The Cull and Game Fair

Game Meat Monday: Roast Grouse with Fresh Pea Risotto

A special recipe from Ben in honour of the Glorious 12th

Tom Adams Speaks at The Game Fair

The BGA Managing Director, Tom Adams discuss Eat Wild and the BGA at The Game Fair

BGA at The Game Fair 2019

British Game Alliance exhibited at The Game Fair 2019

Talking Game – Grouse Burger Recipe

In celebration of the new Talking Game we have taken this recipe from the newest edition, created by Jeff Claudio chef at Lyle's

BGA In The Press

Press Coverage of the BGA from July 2019

The British Game Alliance Secure Trade Meetings In Japan

The British Game Alliance (BGA) is pleased to announce its market outreach in Japan was successful earlier this month.

BASC Legal Challenge To Wild Justice

BASC ready to fight legal challenge to rearing and releasing game birds

STAG Training – Gamekeepers Welfare Trust

The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust have designed a course with ex-marines to tackle difficult issues faced by gamekeepers

Game Meat Monday: Duck Spring Rolls

A fantastic adaptation of a takeaway favourite by Ben Gilbert

BGA In The Press – Meat Management

Meat Management article on the BGA and the new markets and new product development we have been creating

BGA Statement On Stop The Cull

Statement from Tom Adams, Managing Director of the BGA

Countryside Alliance Advise On Dealing With Shoot Saboteurs

‘Better safe than sorry’ when dealing with shoot saboteurs, says the Countryside Alliance

Job Opportunity – Internship Role

Fantastic opportunity to learn a wide range of skills and to work as a part of a start-up business.

Game Meat Monday: Spicy Pheasant and Rice

Another great recipe from Ben for Game Meat Monday

House of Commons and House of Lords Letter

A letter signed by nearly forty Members of Parliament and House of Lords showing the importance of the BGA.

The British Game Alliance Launch Game Farm Audit

The BGA has a pilot scheme in place this summer and, following analysis of the information gathered, aims to roll this out nationally.

BGA in the Press

Highlights from this months press coverage involving the BGA

Game Meat Monday: Pheasant Parmesan

Ben's take on a simple yet delicious classic

The Launch of Twelve New and Innovative Game Products

Lord Mark Price addresses guests on the innovation in game

British Game Alliance Works with Game Processors in Workshop Series

The British Game Alliance has commenced a series of workshops with the UK's game processors, to better facilitate a working relationship and unified supply chain for British game ahead of this season.

Game Meat Monday: Roasted Partridge with Leek and Bacon Risotto

Another fantastic Game Meat Monday recipe by Ben

BGA Explained

Our new BGA Explained document

British Game Alliance Exceeds 500 Shoot Members

Significant Milestone Reached

BGA in the Press

Highlights from this months press coverage involving the BGA

Newsletter: May 2019

New Markets, Updates to Shoot Standards, 50p Levy

BGA’s Evidence for DEFRA’s Review of the General Licence

Please Find Below Our Submission To The Review

Shoot Talk – London

Come and listen to Tom in London to find out more about what we do

Shoot Talk – Edinburgh

Would you like to learn more about the BGA? Come and listen to Tom speak in Edinburgh

Shoot Talk – Yorkshire

Come and listen to Tom speak at Swinton Park to learn more about the BGA and what we do

The British Game Alliance Secure First Inward Trade Mission for Game

Opening New Markets For Game

Game Meat Monday: Katsu Pheasant

Ben's take on a Katsu Curry using Pheasant

Wild Justice – Natural England General Licence

Recent media events highlight the need for credible self-regulation within the shooting industry.

North Lodge Farm Conference

Sustainable shooting and bringing assured game to the forefront

BGA in the Press

Highlights from press coverage involving the BGA

Game Meat Monday: BBQ Spatchcock Pheasant

Barbecuing at its best.

Newsletter: April 2019

Brand Partners, Member Benefits and Antibiotic Reduction.

BGA Response to Natural England Revoke of General Licences

We need to regulate on our terms, protecting the game industry

Member Benefits

Details of our new Member Benefits Scheme

Raisthorpe Simulated Clay Day

Monday 15th July - In aid of Cancer Research and British Game Alliance

Important Joint Communication: Spring 2019

We must keep driving down antibiotic use in game birds

Clarifying The Correct Game Disposal

Trying To Clear Up Any Confusion Regarding The Disposal Of Game

Partridge Parcel

Similar to a pasty, here is Ben's take on a partridge parcel.

Cotesbatch Incident Outcome

Acoura report on the Cotesbatch Incident

End of Season Survey Feedback

We respond to some of the most recurrent queries from our End of Season Survey.

Season Summary 2018 / 2019

Read our Chairman's Statement and download our full Season Summary here.

Newsletter: March 2019 – BGA Spring Update

Audit information, survey feedback and our announcement with BASC

Game Meat Monday: Buttermilk Pheasant

Fried pheasant at it's finest.

Countryside Alliance – The Shoot

A short video from Countryside Alliance and Game To Eat on The Shoot

BGA In The Press

Highlights from press coverage involving the BGA

BASC Backs British Game Alliance (BGA) With Support Package

Industry partnership securing the future of shooting

Game Meat Monday: Pheasant Schnitzel with Mac and Cheese

A quick alternative to the classic Mac & Cheese

Ambassador Scheme

Meet the British Game Alliance Ambassadors

British Game Alliance Explained

A handy PDF that you can download and circulate which should answer any pressing questions regarding the British Game Alliance.

Game Meat Monday: Pheasant Pot Pie

In celebration of British Pie Week, Mr Drake has created this delicious Pheasant Pot Pie.

Clarifying The Shoot Audit

The shoot audit is not to be feared

Game Meat Monday: Pigeon Chilli

This is my take on the classic chilli con carne using pigeon.

Game Meat Monday: Hunters Pheasant

Delicious, versatile dish with pheasant breasts.

Newsletter: January 2019

Game Disposal and First Season Feedback

Correct Game Disposal

A short summary on how to dispose of your game in the correct manner.

Game Meat Monday: Pheasant Roulade

Pheasant and bacon the perfect combination, a new twist on the classic collaboration.

The BGA Team Hit The Streets For The Eat Wild Campaign

We headed out of the office to spread the word on game.

Game Meat Monday: BBQ Pheasant Pizza

This is a very flexible recipe that I thought I’d put in as a bit of inspiration to get the youngsters involved with game preparation and cooking as every kid loves pizza.

Game Meat Monday: Pheasant Korma

Spice up Monday night with this delicious curry.

Christmas Newsletter 2018

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

New BGA Assured Stockists

New markets for the British game industry.

The Supply of Wild Game Birds & Meat

Before you decide to become a game handling business there are a number of steps you need to consider.

Highlights of 2018

Snapshots from the first year of the British Game Alliance

Meeting with DEFRA minister to discuss British game

Tom Adams, Managing Director meets with Defra Minister, Dr Therese Coffey MP along with Liam Stokes, Countryside Alliance and Jim Shannon MP.

Game Meat Monday – PARTRIDGE CARBONARA

Ben Gilbert, the winner of our Game Week Competition, is now our weekly Game Meat Monday Blogger

Newsletter: December 2018

Celebrating Game Week, 50p levy and BGA in the media.

Great British Game Week

A celebration of all that is great about game

Food Matters Live

Tom our Managing Director talks at the Food Matters Live event.

Game Week Winner: Pheasant Burger Recipe

Congratulations to Ben Drake for this glorious creation he entered in our British Game Week Competition. Read in his words how he makes it.

Donations Raised Through The 50p Levy

We are delighted to announce that Roxtons and Ian Coley Sporting have raised a tremendous £43,000 towards the British Game Alliance Fighting Fund.

300 Members Now Part of the British Game Alliance

The BGA has hit another colossal milestone

New British Game Alliance Stockists

Restaurants, hotels and wholesalers all now using British Game Alliance assured game.

Game Meat Monday: Partridge Satay

Quick, easy and delicious

November Newsletter – Part 1

Assurance Scheme and Audits

Feedback From Acoura Shoot Audits

BGA complete successful first round of audits. Shooting's first ever fully independent auditing process is up and running.

British Game Assurance Scheme’s FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions regarding the assurance scheme answered here.

Membership Welcome Packs

British Game Alliance launch Record Book for shoot members

Celebrity Chefs show their support for The British Game Alliance’s Eat Wild campaign

Famous chefs give Eat Wild their seal of approval at the campaign launch to get people to think differently about game

BGA feature of Countryside Alliance podcast

Tom Adams features on the Countryside Alliance's podcast

British Game Alliance Newsletter: October 2018 – Part 2

Bi-Monthly Newsletter

GunsOnPegs Support

The GunsOnPegs team have made it easier for you to shoot with an assured shoot.

New BGA Stockists

The newest places providing British Game Alliance assured game to the market.

Eat Game Awards

The BGA team and their guests attended the Eat Game Awards at Boisdale Canary Wharf

Game Kofta Kebabs with Red Onion Salsa

Made with pheasant and partridge, our take on the popular spicy meatballs brings together the stars of wild game. Serve it as part of Middle Eastern-inspired mezze with lots of warm pitta bread, homemade hummus, and roasted aubergines, or wrap in flatbreads for an easy supper.

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