Watch this space

ALTHOUGH it was disappointing to read that a study by Cambridge University has found that the voluntary phase out of lead shot and single-use plastics for live quarry shooting has so far had little effect (Town & Country, March 9), this should come as little surprise. It must not be forgotten that we are only two years into the five-year transition period, during which we have had the Covid-19 pandemic. Cartridge manufacturers have been under immense pressure due to disrupted global logistics supply chains and commodity shortages caused by restrictions, together with the additional complexity of manufacturing in the new way. More and more people are now using non-lead cartridges with biodegradable wads and finding them most effective. This, combined with ever-increasing demand by dealers for game that hasn’t been shot with lead, should result in real progress being made next season.

Adrian Blackmore, director of shooting, Countryside Alliance