The four BASC-affiliated wildfowling clubs, who shoot over the Dyfi estuary, have negotiated a sub-lease of the Crown Estates sporting rights from the Countryside Council for Wales.
Wildfowling on the Dyfi estuary has had a long and sometimes turbulent history. After the second world war, it suffered its share of ‘marsh cowboys’ and as a result the sporting rights held by the Crown Estates were taken over by the Nature Conservancy Council, now the CCW, when the area was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1968.
Wildfowling continued on the estuary but only on a ‘grace and favour’ status with no established long term security for the wildfowlers and their sport, although it was now regulated through the Dyfi Wildfowl Management Advisory Panel.
Glynn Cook, director of BASC Wales, said: “Until now wildfowling on the Dyfi, although regulated, was not protected by any formal agreement. This new sub-lease from CCW will provide a more secure future for the sport on the estuary and strengthen further the working partnerships between CCW, BASC and wildfowling clubs in Wales.”
Mike Sherman, vice chairman of Dyfi & District Association for Wildfowling and Conservation, said: “The four wildfowling clubs have always defended their history and heritage; however with the assistance of BASC they have now clearly demonstrated their commitment to protect the future of wildfowling in and around the Dyfi Estuary.”
The four clubs are the Dyfi and District Association for Wildfowling and Conservation, the Aberystwyth Shooting and Conservation Club, the North Worcestershire Rough Shooting and Wildfowling Club and the Llancynfelin Wildfowlers’ Club.
ENDS