THE BIRTHPLACE OF WAGBI NOW THE BASC
The Humber estuary situated on Englands east coast is one of the largest in Britain at approximately 9.5 kilometres just past "Spurn Point" which is it's recognised entrance and 6.5 kilometres wide at its mouth. The rivers major tributaries include the Trent, Ouse, Aire, Derwent, Don, and Wharf and these together combine to drain a catchment area of approximately 24,500 square kilometres which is about 20% of Englands' total area. The picture above shows an area some 40 kilometres inland just before it's confluence with the rivers Trent and Ouse even here the river boasts a width of around 2.5 kilometres. Despite the enormous amount of shipping using the estuary and the abundance of Industries such as oil refineries, power stations, wharves etc along its length the Humber has some excellent wildfowling to offer.
A tribute to Stanley Duncan the founder of WAGBI now BASC
In 1908 Stanley Duncan FZS an experienced wildfowler and very knowledgeable naturalist founded WAGBI (the Wildfowlers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland). Stanley Duncan wanted to help professional wildfowlers who made their living from the abundance of wildfowl available on the estuary as well as protect his beloved way of life. The estuary was losing wildfowl habitat at an alarming rate through drainage and development and he realised that as more and more areas were developed the influx of people not familiar with the ways of the countryside would lead to increased pressure to protect the wildfowl and other birds, irrelevant of their numbers or the habitat available to them.
The name WAGBI was changed at the AGM of 1981 to the BASC as it was felt that shooting sports would be better served by a single organisation and WAGBI was the most suitable. The original logo of WAGBI is still proudly used by the Hull and East Riding Wildfowlers' Association for it was here on the north bank that the idea was born and came to fruition. The headquarters all those years ago was the now famous tarred and weatherboarded "black hut" at Patrington Haven, from here Stanley Duncan and friends hunted the creeks around Sunk Island and worked their gunning-punts out onto the Humber estuary. The foresight of Stanley Duncan and friends is one of the main reasons why wildfowling survives as it is today, even back then pollution, restricted access and the attention of the anti shooting, fishing and hunting people was starting to affect their way of life.
Wildfowling on the estuary is strictly controlled now, thanks to the formation of organisations along its length, although permits are available to allow fowlers from other areas the opportunity to sample what is on offer. Details of permit availability and information regarding possible membership of one of the wildfowling organisations based on the estuary are available to BASC members from their HQ.
As well as wildfowling the estuary supports Yachting and other waterborne sports as well as bird and seal watching, horse riding and walking. The organisations allied to the river work together in most cases, the estuary is big enough for all, each recognises and respects the others right to choose their own pastimes.
An abundance of wildlife uses the estuary and it boasts no fewer than nine species of bird identified as being of international importance. The estuary is set to become a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for it's entire length under the Humber Estuary Management Scheme. The HEMS is being implemented to maintain the habitat and natural beauty of the area re inforcing it's standing as a major site of international importance to wildlife. The scheme will also include the river Trent as far as the Keadby Bridge and the river Ouse as far as the Boothferry Bridge. The management plan is being formulated with consultation between many interested parties such as the Environment Agency, English Nature, Associated British Ports, Wildfowling and Yachting organisations and numerous other organisations who use the area for both business and recreational purposes and should ensure the estuarys' sustainable use well into the future.
Now well under way the Humber flood relief work on land adjacent to the estuary at Whitton and Alkborough is starting to produce results. The work being carried out ranks as the largest scheme of it's type in Europe and is an ongoing project which is expected to last approximately two years. Areas of farmland upwards of 400 hectares have been allowed to flood to form a new inter-tidal mudflat which will be designated as a new National Nature Reserve in the future. This was made possible by breeching and re shaping the existing flood banks. The project was designed to bring much needed relief to many local residents who have lived with the threat of flooding and in some cases already suffered flooding along the Humber and it's tributaries. The mudflat is already being used by the numerous wildfowl and wader species which live on and visit the estuary. The project will not only benefit the wildlife but all who use the area for recreation purposes as well as providing the much needed flood relief.
Wildfowling is a solitary pastime but you owe it to yourself others & to help protect it. You don't have to shoot in a group, no one expects you to, but you do need to let your voice be heard. I would urge all fowlers reading this to join an organisation, if they haven't already done so, its for your benefit and that of future generations.
The Management project is creating the perfect habitat for wildfowl and waders on the Humber
The breech and channel allows the flood water to wash over the land and help protect the communities further upstream from flooding as well as improving the natural habitat for wildlife using the river.
The Ouse 
