Finding out how many deer cause crashes in Warwickshire and boosting 'sustainable shooting' on local farms are both endorsed in a motion tabled by the new Restore Britain at Shire Hall.

Councillors Scott Cameron and Luke Cooper will present their motion bidding for "support for Warwickshire farmers, sustainable shooting and conservation" at Warwickshire County Council's (WCC) full meeting next week.

Among a number of recommendations, the motion calls on the local authority to engage with schools, hospitals, businesses and other publicly funded organisations to "encourage them to support Warwickshire farmers, shoots and game dealers by prioritising them when sourcing produce".

It also calls for officers to consider how shooting can help meet environmental targets and improve opportunities for young people through vocational qualifications and education.

"Shooting is an established part of the UK's cultural heritage and community life, contributes to conservation, combats loneliness, and provides important social and cultural ties in rural areas involving all generations within communities," the motion stated.

It added: "The shooting and conservation sector is a significant employer within Warwickshire and contributes to the local economy across both rural and urban Warwickshire."

If backed by councillors, the move would also see WCC write to local MPs asking them to support local farmers and sustainable shooting in parliament.

It would also see officers asked to investigate how many deer cause local crashes and whether a 'deer management plan' is needed.

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Cllr Scott Cameron (left) and Cllr Luke Cooper joined Restore Britain last month (images via WCC)

"Farmers are the backbone of Britain who work long hours year-round, in unpredictable weather, growing crops and raising animals so we can eat.  Farming is essential in assuring we have food security and integral to the Warwickshire economy," the motion continued.

"Productive farmland must be protected from mass housing / industrial development and the installation of solar farms whilst ensuring farmers are more easily able to diversify; with farm shops, storage and similar on-farm development."

The Restore Britain group at Shire Hall was formed after Councillors Cameron and Cooper very publicly exited Reform UK last month.

They state agriculture contributes £190 million per year to the county's economy, with 4,800 people employed across Warwickshire's farms.