Celebrating 75 years of wildfowling tradition and conservation

From its founding in 1950 to its award-winning conservation work today, Westmorland Wildfowlers Association is celebrating 75 years of wildfowling tradition on the marshes of Morecambe Bay.

This year marks a special milestone for the BASC-affiliated Westmorland Wildfowlers Association (WWA) with the club celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Founded in 1950 by 30 conservation-minded individuals determined to manage shooting responsibly on the River Kent Estuary, the association has grown from its grassroots beginnings into one of the UK’s most respected wildfowling clubs.

Passing on knowledge through generations

Today, WWA has more than 100 active members, ranging from juniors to honorary members with more than 50 years of service.

Many current members are following in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers, keeping alive the traditions of wildfowling on the marshes of Morecambe Bay. A thriving young shots group ensures that the next generation is learning the skills, values, and conservation practices that underpin the sport.

Bursaries, mentoring, and ambassador roles, with the support of BASC, have helped young members take their first steps into careers in land and wildlife management, proving that the club’s influence goes far beyond the foreshore.

Conservation at the heart of wildfowling

Alongside sport, conservation has always been central to WWA’s mission. The association manages around 17 miles of foreshore and intertidal marsh and runs projects such as:

Creating sanctuary areas for wildlife
Habitat improvement and disturbance management
Winter feeding programmes during harsh weather
Artificial nest structures to protect ducks from predators

This commitment has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, WWA has received several prestigious awards, including a Purdey Game and Conservation Bronze Award in 2012, the Stanley Duncan Trophy – awarded by BASC, and recognition from HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, for its outstanding conservation work.

Celebrating at Dallam Tower

The 75th anniversary was marked with a celebration at Dallam Tower, a historic estate that has had close ties with the club since the 1950s.

Members young and old came together to honour the past, reflect on achievements, and look ahead to the future of wildfowling on the estuary.

As a gesture of thanks, the association presented the estate with a specially commissioned painting of geese flying over the Kent Estuary.

Looking to the future

In its 75th season, the Westmorland Wildfowlers Association remains committed to its founding principles: responsible shooting, community and conservation.

With a strong committee and engaged membership, WWA is determined to build on its proud history to ensure the traditions of wildfowling continue to thrive for generations to come.

All images courtesy of Westmorland Wildfowlers Association