Where will you be going wildfowling in 20 to 50 years time?

8 July 2010

What's it all about?

The location of mudflats and saltmarsh on some of the best wildfowling sites in England and Wales could be affected by the decisions taken on flood risk management, following a series of consultations that have been taking place on shoreline management plans.

What is BASC doing?

Coastal land managed by wildfowlers can play a key role in flood defence thus protecting local communities. As each consultation has been announced BASC has written to relevant wildfowling clubs to make them aware and to advise on local engagement . Any feedback received by BASC from those clubs and any other BASC members is then considered in the formulation of BASC's responses.

BASC responses are being considered for the following consultations

South Wales Shoreline Management Plan
BASC has received an annoucement on 12 May that the consultation will run from September to December and drop in sessions will take place from 6-23 September.

West Wales Shoreline Management Plan
A consultation is due later this year, but no details have yet been annnounced.

BASC has already responded to the following consultations

• North Norfolk (12 Nov 2009)
• North Devon and Somerset (17 Dec 2009)
• Severn Estuary (17 Dec 2009)
• The Wash (17 Dec 2009)
• Flamborough Head to Gibraltor Point (29 Jan 2010)
• North West England and North Wales (29 Jan 2010)
• Poole and Christchurch Bays (12 Feb 2010)
• North Solent (31 Mar 2010)
• Cornwall & Isles of Scilly (11 Jun 2010)
• Essex and South Suffolk (11 Jun 2010)

Wildfowling recognised as a culturally important activity on the Wash

In follow-up to BASC’s response to the Wash SMP consultation BASC has received a letter (27 March 2010) from the project stating that “we also recognise the long standing and culturally important activity of wildfowling and the sensitive nature of the habitats over which wildfowlers shoot”

BASC support recognised in North West England & North Wales

BASC’s support for the Shoreline Management Plan in North West England and North Wales has been highlighted in the post consultation report (July 2010).

What can I do?

Find out how the shoreline along your shooting area could change by viewing the maps of the relevant shoreline management plan for your area.  If you are a member of a wildfowling club make sure the club is at least registered as having an interest, even if the consultation phase has finished. If a consultation is running, make sure someone attends the local drop-in sessions to speak to the planners and learn more about what is involved.

Click here for a list of all the shoreline management plans in England and Wales

 

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