A KEEN birder has set up a petition calling for duck and geese shooting near a nature reserve to be banned.

Richard Cordery, from Christchurch, says it is “incongruous” that it is permissible to shoot ducks and geese in the harbour when the adjacent land of Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve protects other bird species.

The wildfowling rights are owned by Bournemouth Water and leased only to the Christchurch and West Hants Wildfowling and Conservation Association. As part of the arrangement, which dates back over 20 years, the organisation has to undertake a number of conservation and maintenance activities at the nature reserve.

Bylaws also state only birds more than 90m from the reserve can be shot.

But Mr Cordery argues this “does not outweigh the negative aspects” of wildfowling and the disturbance caused to birds and other wildlife in the area.

“The area is used by many wintering and migrating geese, ducks and waders, which waste precious energy when flushed up and may be scared away from food sources by the noise of gunshots and people walking through reed beds.

“There is a not insignificant health and safety aspect as many people use the harbour for sailing, rowing and canoeing at times of the day when shooting is taking place.

“Stanpit Marsh is a nature reserve with public access around it. Many people use this for walking and running, walking their dogs, birdwatching and photography.”

He claimed there had been incidents where guns had been fired close to birdwatchers and allowing wildfowling to continue in the area was “an accident waiting to happen”.

“There are no warning signs on the reserve saying shooting may be taking place. It is also very distressing for members of the public to witness shooting incidents, and at least one person has expressed that learning about this activity on the marsh has put them off wanting to take their family to the area.”

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Water said: “Prior to entering into the current arrangement with the Wildfowling Association, we sought the opinion of the Christchurch and East Dorset District Council and Natural England on a number of activities the Wildfowling Association are required to undertake in the Stanpit Marsh Reserve, from surveys of wildlife, to conservation and maintenance.

“As on previous occasions, we received a positive response from both parties on the wildfowlers’ contribution to the conservation management of the site, which includes the restoration of habitats such as streams and reed beds.”

They added: “In carrying out their activity, the Wildfowling Association follows the BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) code of practice for Wildfowling in the UK.”

To sign the petition click here.