Shooting Permission in SE London/Kent

[Eddy1984]

Hi,

My name is Ed and I am a local resident of South East London and the Kent border who offers pest control of feral birds, including pigeons, crows, magpies and pest mammals, such as rabbits, rats and squirrels that may be causing crop damage problems on your land or damage to equipment and buildings such as stables, barns or farm buildings.

I am fully trained, qualified, and insured, and I am a full member of BASC, the UK’s largest organisation for British shooting. I primarily use a modern PCP air rifle set-up to carry out the pest control, as the equipment is very quiet and highly effective. I have recently applied for both my Firearms Certificate and Shotgun Certificate which in addition, once approved, will enable me to offer a broader range of pest control including fox and deer control. Generally, around farm buildings, the use of air rifles is preferred as it causes little to no disturbance to the local residents and is not usually disruptive or disturbing to animals you may have on the farm.

I currently have permissions in Mottingham and Bexley and I am looking to expand further into Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

If this is something that you would be interested in, please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to discuss your needs or requirements further. Thank you for time reading this post.

 

[Darkside65]

Hi Ed

My name is chris, I am just starting out on a similar journey to yourself. I'm semi-retired, I'm a BASC member, And I am also looking for Permission to shoot on private ground in Kent / SE. I have a PCP air rifle. I have no thought of any further licences as I enjoy using my air rifle. I'm also ex-forces and weapons trained instructor. I would be grateful if you could give me a few leads in finding some grounds to apply for said permission.


Chris.

 

[Eddy1984]

Hi Chris,

My approach to gaining permissions so far has been to have a look on Google maps in the area/s that you want to shoot and trying to find suitable premises. For me, this is small farms and stables. In the past I have tried to reach the land owners by email if ones available online, but I do find the best practice is to knock on doors and ask in person. I have been lucky enough to get 2 permissions this way so far. Be prepared to get none, but persevere and something will come your way. I am waiting until my FAC is approved before I head out again for another round of introductions.

Best of luck Chris,

 

[Wooly]

As a farmer in the South East, I do get alot of people knocking on my door asking for shooting permission.

Do I want a random stranger to walk around my farm and buildings with a gun ? No.

I do let a few people shoot on my land, but they have all been recommended to me or people I know.

The best advice I would give you, is to get the farms that you already have permission to shoot on, to recommend you to their neighbours and let it snowball from there.

Good luck.

 

[Eddy1984]

Hi Wooly,

that's great advice and much appreciated.

I'm always dubious to just turn up and knock and prefer to call ahead or email in advance where possible. I completely understand your position on strangers with guns on your property. I would be the same.

As shooters we do ask for a lot of trust from land owners such as yourself and the permissions you do give are much appreciated.

thanks again for the advice.