A bird in the hand
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- - Features
- - Features
The foreshore in winter
During the harshest, coldest, and most desolate days of the winter months, a remarkable symbiosis unfolds on the foreshore, often concealed behind the protective veil of the sea wall, says wildfowler Chris Wright.
The appeal of wildfowling
Throughout the winter months, the United Kingdom becomes a temporary haven for an abundance of wildlife, particularly migratory wild ducks, geese, and waders escaping the colder and bleaker winters of distant lands.
This period, as well as the times beyond it, serves as the backdrop for a profound symbiotic relationship between man and the natural world. Those individuals who embrace this role are better known as ‘wildfowlers‘, people who take immense pride in their commitment to giving back more than they ever take.
The pull of the foreshore
To the casual observer, the foreshore may appear stark, muddy, and damp. However, in truth, it possesses its own unique beauty, often appreciated only by a select few, wildfowlers among them.
During first and last light, these landscapes transform into a bustling hub of activity, akin to our rush hour, as wildlife of various species traverses the area in every conceivable direction.
From the cur-lee cry of the curlew to the high-pitched eee-ooo-eeep of the lapwing, the unmistakable quack of mallard, and the distinctive wink-wink of pink-footed geese – and everything in between – this harmonious chorus has the power to send shivers down the spine and drown out one’s own thoughts.
Yet, only a fortunate few will ever bear witness to this performance. Such occurrences are not mere happenstance, rather they are the result of careful management efforts, including the dedicated work of wildfowlers and a small number of others who willingly contribute countless hours each year to maintaining and enhancing these habitats. In exchange for their efforts, wildfowlers harvest a surplus of lawful quarry for the pot, a practice which is one of the oldest of its kind here in the UK and remains largely unchanged today.
A remarkable connection with nature
Before the break of dawn, in the quietude of the pre-daylight hours, with the sea on one side and towns and cities on the other, wildfowlers and their loyal canine companions venture out into the untamed terrains of the foreshore, forging a profound connection with the wildlife and the elements during some of the wildest moments. Remarkably, this connection is made without even the pulling of a trigger.
Countless benefits
In an era marked by soaring living costs, growing concerns over food miles, disappearing natural habitats, and an increasing emphasis on mental wellbeing, wildfowling and everything that comes with it represents a sustainable cycle that has the potential to benefit all.
It’s a recreational pursuit that keeps the mind engaged and wallet intact, while also improving physical fitness and stimulating us with an invigorating breeze and captivating sights.
Local and nutritious food
In most cases, we are talking about food sourced in yards, not miles, ethically harvested and providing nutritious meals.
As we grapple with environmental and wildlife conservation concerns, there has never been a more critical time to safeguard these wild places and the wildlife that call it home – a mission taken to heart without question by wildfowlers.
Food for thought
The question that begs asking is: Why do we repeatedly subject ourselves to extended periods in these wild environments, while the rest of the nation slumbers? Is it merely for the momentary ten seconds of pulling the trigger (if you are lucky)? It is, indeed, a thought-provoking question, one that leaves much to ponder over…
Chris Wright
Lancashire born and bred, Chris is BASC’s wildfowling advisor. Now calling Monmouthshire home, Chris exemplifies an unyielding interest and dedication to field sports, with a particular focus on the exhilarating pursuit of wildfowl along the nation’s coastline.
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