23 November 2010
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.
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.
West Wales Shoreline Management Plan
A consultation is due later this year, but no details have yet been annnounced.
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’s support for the Shoreline Management Plan in North West England and North Wales has been highlighted in the post consultation report (July 2010).
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