Wildfowling on part of the Somerset coast has been secured for 15 years with help from the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
A sporting lease covering 435 acres and 15 miles of foreshore at the mouth of the River Parrett has been agreed between The Crown Estate and the Highbridge, Huntspill & Burnham District Wildfowlers’ Club.
Natural England has also given consent for wildfowling to continue on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) at Bridgwater Bay and the Severn Estuary.
Mark Greenhough, wildfowling officer at BASC, said: "Sustainable wildfowling and conservation interests, especially on SSSIs, co-exist throughout the UK. This is a great endorsement to BASC-affiliated wildfowling clubs which expertly manage shooting alongside conservation.”
Highbridge club chairman Steve Chick said: “The club is very pleased to have renewed the lease, thanks must go to BASC which has been a great help in renewing the lease. The club will now be looking forward to forthcoming seasons.”
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact the club secretary Martin Puddy on 01278 641186.
Anyone interested in trying wildfowling through the BASC Wildfowling Permit Scheme should contact wildfowling@0ld.basc.org.uk
ENDS