The Wildlife Habitat Trust has given Gloucestershire Wildfowlers Association a loan of £45,000 to buy almost eight acres of new land.
The money will purchase Arlingham Marsh, which has been rented by the club for many years.
Club treasurer Peter Crighton said: “To be able to purchase the marsh was an opportunity which could not be missed. The purchase is especially important as it now gives the club a foothold on the east bank of the river Severn and represents the continuance of a strong relationship with the WHT, which has given the club their total support during the purchase.
“This is our third land purchase with the help and support of the WHT. Paul Williamson and the trustees of the WHT have been a great support and encouragement during the purchase and done everything in their power to assist.
“The purchase also gives the club its first proper building as the principal feature of the marsh is a WWII concrete pill box structure, one of many built hurriedly along the river Severn on the outbreak of war. While it is well used by club members for sheltering behind, having the club AGM in it may prove a little challenging!”
Paul Williamson, BASC’s rural land development manager, said: “The WHT was delighted to support the club again with the purchase of riverside grazing adjacent to the river Severn. The club has a proven track record of working with many of the conservation bodies in the area. This purchase will go further in cementing the club as a significant stakeholder within the region.”
The WHT is dedicated to raising and distributing funds to help with the acqusition of land for conservation and shooting. It was established in 1986 by members of the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Further details of the WHT can be found here.
ENDS