In the past, we tried to buy an area of wetland which would have provided both conservation benefits and good quality shooting for members. This was actually the site of a disused and almost empty reservoir, which would have been extremely easy to flood and drain, as required, for conservation and shooting at different times of year. There were also several smaller ponds which would have made excellent flight ponds.
Sadly, the title deeds of the land contained several very odd conditions, and the purchase did not take place for legal reasons. If SACS had proceeded with the purchase, we would have been obliged, if asked, to provide a water supply for the nearest town! Although it was highly unlikely that the request would ever have been made, there were other similar conditions, and overall, the potential for disaster was there.
The Management Committee feels that projects like this throughout the country would help raise the profile of country sports among the general public, and help to demonstrate that we are instrumental in shaping and caring for the countryside they enjoy.
Accordingly, we are determined to go ahead with such schemes where possible, and are now actively looking for other suitable areas of land. Ideally, they should have some conservation value as well as providing a sustainable harvest of wildfowl or game during the shooting season, and we would consider either buying the land or entering into a management agreement with the existing owner.
Do you know of somewhere suitable? It could be an area of rough land with little agricultural value, a disused reservoir, marshland – anything which could be managed to improve the habitat and provide some sport for our members.
If you know of somewhere that might be worthwhile, contact us using the email link on the home page