BASC has welcomed the continued alliance between wildfowlers and bird conservation bodies as Greenland white-fronted geese return to Wales.
Wildfowlers have complied with a voluntary moratorium on shooting the geese for more than 40 years, with the association’s members playing a key role in programmes to improve their over-wintering success.
The birds, which over-winter on the Dyfi estuary annually and finally arrived back last last weekend, have been protected by wildfowling clubs since the 1970s due to population concerns.
Despite officially being on the quarry list, the Welsh government announced earlier this year a continuation of that voluntary moratorium.
Ian Danby, BASC’s head of biodiversity, said: “Local wildfowlers have had a voluntary moratorium on shooting these geese for more than 40 years and have worked to improve their conservation status over that time.
“It is excellent that the Greenland white-fronted geese have arrived back on the estuary as the conservation work that BASC and local wildfowlers are undertaking in full partnership with other conservation bodies can begin again.”
John Dryden, a BASC council member and chair of the association’s wildfowling liason committee, said: “BASC has enjoyed a long involvement in conservation and the protection of migratory birds and the Greenland white-fronted geese are no exception.
“They are a welcome sight on the Dyfi estuary and, by everyone working together, we can help ensure the geese return to their breeding grounds in Greenland in the best possible condition.”
Michael Sherman, vice chairman of the Dyfi, Mawddach and Dysynni Wildfowlers’ Association, said: “Shooting and conservation is deeply intertwined and we are currently working with all involved in the GWfG project to produce practical research on the ground during this winter and into the spring of next year.”
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