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West Country wildfowlers help boost mallard numbers
In a joint effort to combat the declining mallard population, the Bridgwater Bay Wildfowlers Association (BBWA), a BASC-affiliated wildfowling club, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) came together to install duck nest tubes on a local marsh.
The role of duck nest tubes
European mallard numbers have been dropping since the 1980s, partly due to reduced breeding success. Predation, flooding and disturbance from humans, dogs and livestock have all been identified as contributing factors. To address this, a Europe-wide initiative is underway to create nesting platforms to provide safe havens for ducks to raise their young.
BBWA and WWT joint venture
BBWA members dedicated a day to building and refurbishing more than 20 duck nest tubes, five of which were installed at the WWT reserve at Steart Marshes with the help of reserve warden Ronan Conn. They offer potential nesting birds a dry, warm, and protected environment. It is important that they are situated over water to reduce the risk of mammalian predation and in close proximity to natural food sources for the ducklings once they hatch.
Other benefits of duck nest tubes
WWT reserve manager Alys Laver expressed her delight: “This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving positive outcomes. We’re excited to monitor these tubes; the citizen science information gleaned could play a crucial role in targeting future conservation efforts.”
BBWA chairman Jeremy Bell emphasised the club’s commitment to conservation: “Our members care deeply about the environment and the wildfowl that rely on it, not just for hunting purposes, but for the species’ overall wellbeing,” he said. “We now have duck nest tubes spread across the Somerset levels and moors, and alongside our habitat restoration initiatives and litter picks, they are a key part of our long-term conservation plans.”
The future of the BBWA and WWT project
With sightings of mallard pairs among various other bird species, the outlook for the breeding season appears promising.
Both BBWA and WWT are looking forward to the upcoming breeding season; the question now is: will they get used in the first year? Our fingers are crossed!
Duck nest monitoring project
BASC is a member of The Waterfowlers’ Network, which launched the duck nest monitoring project in 2021. It is a citizen science project aiming to support wild mallard populations by installing raised duck nest tubes. These have shown success in increasing mallard breeding success and the survival of eggs and ducklings.
The project needs more involvement from people with access to suitable mallard breeding habitats. You can find out how to get involved, here. You will also find advice on how to make and install duck nest tubes.
You can also read more about The Waterfowlers’ Network and how to get involved in monitoring and data sharing on their website.
If you already have duck nest tubes installed or would like to find out how to share the data you have recorded, please click here.
How to join BASC
If you are a game syndicate or a wildfowling club, you and your members could benefit from a group BASC membership. Please click here to find out what’s included in the clubs and syndicates membership.
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Marta Jacyna
Marta Jacyna is BASC’s communications officer. She is passionate about the countryside and enjoys deer stalking and foraging for food.
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