The mental health of Wales’ rural population was the focus of a recent meeting of the Cross-Party Group on Shooting and Conservation.

Chaired by Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS, Samuel Kurtz, the meeting brought together individuals, stakeholders, and mental health charities to discuss the importance of the great outdoors and fieldsports to the mental health of those who are active in the pursuits.

With the British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Countryside Alliance and the DPJ Foundation all bringing their knowledge and expertise, the group were also able to listen to former England professional cricketer, Robert Croft, about his own personal experiences and mental wellbeing benefits from fieldsports.

Croft, who had grown up fishing and shooting, noted its benefits as a form of escapism, the camaraderie between those who take part and the tranquillity of being amongst nature, calling it his ‘happy place’.

Following the meeting, group chair Samuel Kurtz said: “Just by talking about mental health and wellbeing today, we’ve played a small part in breaking down the stigma surrounding it.

“Listening to Robert, a cricketing idol of mine, speak so passionately about his own personal relationship with fieldsports and the numerous mental health benefits they bring, clearly show the positive impact these pursuits play.

“Easily and without hesitation we can add improved mental health to the list of benefits shooting and conservation bring, including economic prosperity, improved biodiversity, and a better understanding of nature.

“My sincere thanks to Rob, and to Kate from the DPJ Foundation for giving us a valued update on the work this fantastic charity is doing to help those in rural Wales ‘share the load’ by offering support to those who need it.”