Ajarrett

Without wanting to start a row, please someone remind me the basis in law for NE creating a 300 mtr buffer zone (which is an extension) around SSSIs. I didn't see that being challenged, which - suitably emboldened - then lead to them imposing a 500 mtr buffer zone.

Just interested!

Are you affiliated to BASC?

This is really positive news. In my opinion we can trace much of the current discontent back to when wildfowlers effectively lost control of Council by failing to get wildfowlers elected in the period up to 2015. Perhaps time to awaken a sleeping giant. Alan

Another two joiners yesterday taking us to 1,560. Looking forward to renewals and new joiners from 1st April to see if we can maintain that growth

The change is from snow-covered or frozen ground, to frozen grass and air temperature. Apparently nobody at BASC knows when the change happened our who agreed it!

Be interesting for Conor to explain what BASC's role was in the tightening of the criteria by which a wildfowling suspension can brought to bear. When we challenged SE Region they didn't seem to know there had been a change - or indeed what it originally was! 'It used to be snow-covered or frozen ground'

I wonder why the Chairman didn't mention that the hard weather criteria which precipitates a wildfowling suspension, has been tightened without - it seems - BASC noticing/doing anything about it?! Now it's easier to have a wildfowling suspension. We spotted it and pointed it out to BASC SE Region.

I wonder how membership numbers are doing across the country? KWCA just exceeded its previous record number of members (established last year ). 885th member joined today. Add in the carp fishing section takes us to 1,473.(Or if you count memberships - as some other organisations do we have 1,615!) There are a lot of problems in the wildfowling world, not least draconian and unjustifiable consents from Natural England, and increasing difficulties with shotgun certificate renewals and new applications. There are still however strength in numbers. Still vacancies, as our shooting rights continue to increase - more on that soon. Alan

Just back from looking at land for sale on Romney Marsh. The main dyke - called a 'sewer' is those parts - is about 10 feet deep and completely dry! Land unsuitable. Never mind, something will come along. Apart from isolated pockets Romney Marsh is now no more a marsh than my front garden. Drained and turned to mostly arable long since. Still, worth exploring. Kent Wildfowlers membership flying - over 1,500 now. New members joining every day - 12 since 1st September. Alan

Since my last update July 22, membership has gone crazy! Members joining every day. We have now passed the 1,500 milestone, and looking at the system there are another 96 in various stages of joining! Could get another 100 plus this autumn

I shall be meeting both candidates soon, and will be pressing them on when gov releases us from much of the European legislation which binds us. In particular the 'precautionary principle' enshrined in the Habitats Regulations. This is being grossly misused by Natural England to the detriment of shooting, and eventually to wider country sports. Alan

Shooting renewals are slower this year - lots of problems: cost of living; shotguns certificates etc. Fishing going really well Despite that total membership has just passed 1,200. Had hoped for more by now, but shooting and fishing both showing a profit. Difficult financial climate! Plenty of time to go!

Thought I would post an update at 28th May: Total members so far 1,032. Fishery members 412. Renewals/new members ticking over with some coming most days

KWCA only. We have our own £10,000,000 insurance cover, all the club facilities including all the shooting you can want for. Associate members can join for £30, which give access to website, events, insurance etc. and a day's shooting all in Since we disaffiliated from BASC we haven't looked back, and for this year starting 1st April we already have over 1,000 members. Full members saved over £50 a year when we disaffiliated. Sad to leave BASC, but we felt there were good reasons for doing so - which I will not rehearse here in case they threaten to sue us again!