"This is a great way of engaging youngsters with the positive role which fieldsports plays in conservation"

Cubs and Scouts help efforts to boost duck conservation

More than 20 London-based cubs and scouts rolled up their sleeves and chipped in with efforts to boost duck conservation with BASC South East.

Dan Reynolds, BASC South East director, spoke to youngsters about duck conservation, habitat restoration and the role which wildfowlers play at the event in north London.

He explained how duck nest tubes are shown to increase the nesting success of mallard ducks.

The youngsters helped to build mallard nesting tubes which will be put out at suitable locations by BASC-affiliated clubs and syndicates in the south east of England ready for the 2018 nesting season.

Dan, who is an avid wildfowler, a qualified zoologist and a former ecologist, ran two similar courses for 80 Cubs and Scouts in London earlier this year.

He said: "This is a great way of engaging youngsters with the positive role which fieldsports plays in conservation. They are able to play their part in conservation in a tangible way. We will continue to update the groups on the success of their nesting tubes, and hope that some of them will join us to replenish nesting materials next spring.”

John Dryden, a member of BASC Council and chairman of BASC's wildfowling liaison committee, said: "A great initiative, let's hope that other groups will 'Be Prepared' to join in."


ENDS