Caerlaverock NNR - Wildfowling Guidance Documents

Wildfowling at Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve (NNR)

These notes have been compiled by the Caerlaverock NNR Wildfowling Panel and are designed as an introduction to wildfowling at Caerlaverock. Please read through all of them carefully and ensure that the highest standards of behaviour and safety are observed for the benefit and enjoyment of yourself and all visitors to the NNR.

When and Where to Shoot:

The area on which you may shoot is shown on the map on the permit, on the map supplied with your permit and on the Reserve signs.  Study the map carefully; there is no excuse for straying outside the wildfowling area, it is clearly marked with yellow and black striped posts along the east and west edge of the zone; the north boundary is marked by the stock fence at the back of the saltmarsh (merse); the south boundary is the edge of the green merse within the confines of the east and west boundaries. If you intend wildfowling for the first time at a morning flight you are advised to inspect the boundaries and access routes the previous day.

When carrying a shotgun you may only access this wildfowling area during following shooting times. You may shoot from one hour and 15 minutes before sunrise until 10 am and then from 3 pm until one hour and 30 minutes after sunset on any day for which the permit is valid during the season from 1 October until 20 February except Sundays and Christmas Day. From 1 to 20 February you may ONLY use your permit from below high water mark, ordinary spring tides - this means from any of the creeks within the shooting zone.

For the purposes of access you are permitted to carry your gun in a slip from the reserve access points to the wildfowling area. The access points are the reserve car parks at Castle Corner and Hollands and Hollands loaning. The wildfowling area is marked by the stock fence at the north edge of the merse, please use the styles provided. Published tide tables can be found on the reserve notice boards.

What can be shot:

The permit only allows you to shoot wildfowl subject to the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and any requirements set out with the advice of the Caerlaverock Panel. For Caerlaverock NNR this means that the quarry species are:

Geese - Pink-footed, Greylag, Canada

Duck – Pintail, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Gadwall, Pochard and Shoveler

You may not shoot at any other species:

General Information:

Shotguns

• You may only use non-toxic shot and you may not carry or use lead shot on the reserve.
• Load only when in position. Never leave a cartridge in the gun - too many accidents result from neglect of this simple rule.
• Always unload before you leave.
• Always check that your gun barrel is clear of obstructions e.g. mud.
• Always keep the safety catch on until ready to shoot.
• Never shoot where you cannot see clearly.
• Keep your gun properly maintained.
• Always take away your cartridge cases for safe disposal.  They can prove fatal if eaten by grazing stock.

Range - Distances on the merse can be deceptive, and you may be tempted to shoot at birds well beyond reasonable range. The shooting range, regardless of bore, is to be no higher than 50 yards. High or out of range shooting will result in the immediate withdrawal of the wildfowling permit.

As large, conspicuous birds, geese often appear to be flying lower and more slowly than they really are. Consider whether you are judging height and speed accurately within the capabilities of your gun, charge and shot and the conditions.  Indiscriminate shooting not only spoils your own sport but that of others, risks wounding birds and brings shooting and the NNR and wildfowling into disrepute.

Retrieving – Only take shots which will results in birds falling where you can ensure you can reach them. You may retrieve the quarry when shot or wounded birds land beyond the wildfowling area. In event of un-retrieved bird please advise stewards or reserve staff of location to ensure safe dispatch.

Dogs - Ensure that your dog is kept under close control and please ensure that you clean up after your dog, in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Park carefully and quietly - Do not obstruct gateways or roads and avoid slamming doors. Parking is in designated areas as shown on the permit

Be on time - It is infuriating to have shooting ruined by latecomers.  Any wildfowler found to be on the wildfowling area out with the specified times and in possession of a firearm will have their permit withdrawn immediately and be reported to the Caerlaverock Panel

Dress sensibly - Wear inconspicuous clothing otherwise the birds will avoid you as well as other nearby fowlers.

Keep quiet - Sound travels far over the merse at flight times.

Torches - Use torches sparingly. Flashing lights not only spoil your vision but alert the birds to your presence.

Keep your distance - For your own safety and enjoyment as well as your neighbour's.

Litter – Ensure all used shotgun cases are collected after flight.

Tide - Familiarise yourself with details of tide time and height; the merse and creeks can be flooded especially at times of spring tides and strong south-westerly winds.

Poor weather conditions - Carry a compass in case of mist or fog.

Binoculars - while not essential, help identify species and add to your enjoyment

Duck and Goose Rings - Please remove any rings from your quarry and send them to the appropriate address or give them to a member of NatureScot staff.

Public access - public have access to the site at all times, sections of the path run along the boundary of the shooting zone, please take care that you will not cause danger or alarm to those using the path.

Permit Returns - You must complete an entry on the permit for each flight which you attend as soon as it is practically feasible. The information supplied is our main indication of the extent to which the wildfowling area is being used and of the relative success of wildfowlers. False or incorrect information may lead to reduction in permit issue which is unnecessary or to an increase in permit issue which could lead to overcrowding. The main aim of the control of wildfowling at the Reserve is to ensure that the sport is sustainable and enjoyable.

Because of the importance attached to the information obtained from permit returns, anyone who does not return their permit is automatically banned from receiving a permit for a year. Completed permits, whether used or not, should be returned within 15 days from your last booked date.

Monitoring - Wildfowling is monitored by NatureScot Officers and authorised stewards to ensure the permits scheme rules are adhered to.  The NatureScot staff are also concerned with scientific and management work and wider visitor safety, access, understanding and enjoyment.  They are there to give advice and information about the reserve and it is hoped that you will pass on information to them on anything of interest you see while at Caerlaverock.

The NatureScot staff and authorised stewards will ask to see check your permit and may ask you to provide proof of ID, e.g. your shotgun certificate or a drivers licence. Window stickers must be displayed in vehicles.

Anyone who breaches the permit scheme rules, byelaws or wider legislation which applies on the NNR will have their permit removed by NatureScot staff or appointed local stewards.  The staff member or steward will send a report to the reserve manager who will invite a written statement from the wildfowler(s) concerned, within 14 days.  Both accounts of the incident will be presented to the panel for their consideration. If a crime may have been committed this will be reported to the police. Proven offences result in a ban on holding a permit for a varying number of years depending upon the severity of the incident, please see the table below.  Further breaches may result in a permanent ban.

All ban time periods will commence on the date of the Panel Meeting at which the breach is considered

If you require any more information about wildfowling on the Reserve or indeed you wish to know more about any aspect of the Reserve our Reserve staff will be pleased to help and can be contacted at: NatureScot, Greystone Park, 55 / 57 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG1 4NP, Tel:  01738 458678

[email protected]

Welcome and introduction

Attendees:      
Robbie Cowan (RC) – Caerlaverock Estate
Mark Fogden (MF) – Savills
Graeme Dalby (GD) – CDWA (part of meeting
David Gilbert (DG) – SSWA
Colin Shedden (CS) - BASC
Will Marshall (WM) - SACS
Stuart Graham (SG) – NatureScot - acting chair
Suzanne McIntyre (SMcI) – NatureScot
Andrew Over (AO) – NatureScot
Susan Copeland – NatureScot minutes

Stuart Graham introduced himself and welcomed everybody to the meeting, followed by a quick round table introduction by all present.

Apologies

Malcolm Laurie – CCA

Previous minutes and actions

Approved

Wildfowl report

Avian flu update – NS reserve staff carried out dead bird counts every 2-3 weeks between November 2021 and January 2022; the peak impact was seen in December, with death rate dropping off from mid-January, there were still a number of sick pinks at the end of January.  Barnacle geese showed clear symptoms of AF with quick death, pink footed geese didn’t show such obvious symptoms but there was recognisably odd behaviour. Pricked birds were not included in carcasses counts. Avian flu (H5N1) has a distinctive neurological effect unlike normal flu, photos and video taken for reference. It will probably only be from the winter counts of 2022 that the full impact on the bird population is known. NS and WWT staff sent samples of geese and swans to Defra for testing during the outbreak, NS have also sent a fox carcass, this will only be tested for H5N1 once the avian flu outbreak has been dealt with.

There has been 110 birds tested recently from Dornoch Firth.  Still picking up a few fresh carcasses on the Solway, note that carcasses have been sprayed during counts to prevent double counting. Between Dec – and first week of February 4650 dead barnacles counted on the Solway, of which 2024 dead barnacles counted on the reserve alone, given conditions and relatively low levels of resource this should be seen as an undercount. Ducks have not seemed to have been affected, it has mainly been waders and geese.

During sample collections NatureScot staff were instructed to use full PPR, to take a course of Tamiflu tablets and report on their state of health to public health contacts on a daily basis. This level of protection and monitoring was far more intense and in sharp contrast to the approach taken with wider public messaging from government and public health bodies. Biosecurity disinfectant points were installed around the reserve.

Regarding risk of transferring AF to humans it continues to be judged to be very low risk, there was one confirmed case of transference to a duck flock owner in England during the outbreak. There is a much higher risk of transfer to other birds, the existing government protocols cover commercial flocks and there isn’t a clear protocol for wild bird infections, hopefully this unprecedented outbreak will help with clearer response and messaging if an outbreak occurs again. It was noted that there was quite a lot of discussion on social media, mainly around personal health issues.

Bird count data:
Data recorded by staff and volunteers from NatureScot, BTO and WWT and recorded on BTO survey databases, unless otherwise stated. 

Pink - footed Geese

NatureScot - Pinkfoot counts Oct/Nov 2021 and March 2022:
4276, 362 and 3682
WWT - Pinkfoot counts Nov 201 and March 2022:
4370, 4450
Avian Influenza - actual count of dead birds across Solway 163, excludes pricked birds, to note still receiving reports of sick birds on Solway in March and in larger numbers further north east coast and Islay.

Barnacle Goose

Solway population average around 40,000 in last 5 years. Last year peak count for Solway was 42,303 in Oct 2021. Highest count so far 26,000 in January 2022.  Avian Influenza -actual count of dead birds across Solway 4650 dead, of which 2024 on the reserve, peaked in December.  

Greylag Geese

Peak of 50 British/Irish on recorded 14^th September. Very small numbers throughout the rest of 2021, none recorded in 2022. 2021 had skeins of 25-35 across the reserve in November and December. Although seen in small numbers on the reserve have not been picked up in scheduled counts.

Canada Geese

Only recorded on the NNR in November with a peak 90 on 11^th November on the NNR. Majority of Canadas recorded at WWT inland in September. Much lower than last year with 2021 Caerlaverock population (including WWT inland) of almost 500 which had been consistent in the last few years, peak this year including WWT holding was 378.(seven dead birds from AI).

Pintail

Peak 12^th September with approx. 1370 on the wider NNR. With approx. 350-400 still recorded on the reserve till February. Much lower than last year 2020-21 peak was 3357 and up to 870 remaining till end of the season.

Wigeon

Peak in 2021 Caerlaverock area of 291 in November. This year saw peak of 1000 in on the wider NNR November and with several hundred reaming on the reserve throughout the season.

Teal

In 2021 Teal arrived in September with flock peak of 260 recorded on the reserve following September moon. This year September count for Caerlaverock NNR was 238 and numbers remained stable throughout the season. Large flocks counts in the wider Solway up to 1000 birds.

Mallard

Peak count of 106 in September, then flock of single figures up to 50 through the rest of the season which is consistent with 2020-21.

Shoveler and Gadwall

Records of one individual bird on September and November on the reserve. Which is the case in most years, with groups of 4-7 in 2020-21 being the exception. No records of Gadwall on the NNR.

Wildfowling report (shoulder and punt gun)

Use of Permits

44 season permits were issued, 25 were returned used, 19 were returned unused and 2 were not returned                           

110 short period permits (visitor permits) were issued, 53 were returned use, 1 was retained, 57 were returned unused and 9 were not returned

Season permits used - 57%

Visitor permits used - 48%

Bag statistics change from last year - 31%

Amount of wildfowling on permitted days per month

October 572 recommended, 272 issued and 0 refused or cancelled
November 550 recommended, 217 issued, 0 refused and 6 cancelled
December 517 recommended, 168 issued, 0 refused and 3 cancelled
January 506 recommended, 213 issued, 0 refused or cancelled
February 221 recommended, 185 issued, 36 refused and 8 cancelled
Total 2366 recommended, 1055 issued, 36 refused and 17 cancelled

Total days applied for - 1091 issued - 46%

Shooting pressure

Season permits

Permit holders who shot nothing        8
Permit holders who shot nothing        32%                                  
am nobody present                 67
nobody present am                 55%
pm nobody present                 91
nobody present pm                 75%
both flights nobody present    61
am max (5) exceeded             2
pm max (5) exceeded             1
5 or fewer birds                       18

Visitors Permits                                                                         

Permit holders who shot nothing        37
Permit holders who shot nothing        70%
am nobody present                 55
nobody present am                 45%
pm nobody present                 64
nobody present pm                 53% 
both flights nobody present    49
am max (10) exceeded           0
pm max (10) exceeded           0
5 or fewer birds                       52

Both Categories                                                             

Both flights nobody present                26
am flights nobody present                  30
pm flights nobody present                  51
Both flights more than 15 present      0
Permit holders who shot nothing        45
shot nothing    58%
am max (15) exceeded           0
pm max (15) exceeded           0
Shot 5 or fewer birds              70
Shot 5 or fewer birds              90%

Puntgunning  - Permits issued in October (2), November (2) and February (2) – returned ‘no days used’. One of the November bookings was cancelled owing to avian flu.

Stewards report 

There were a total of 246 flights available during the season. Stewards were present on the reserve on 115 of these flights representing 47% of flights. This represents a total of 179 man/flights by stewards.

One breach of regulations was noted and reported to the Nature Scot wildfowling monitor present at the time. This related to early access. This was dealt with at the time. A few polite reminders were issued about high shooting.

Overall, good standards of behaviour were noted throughout the season. Wildfowlers are now well used to the role of stewards and the NS wildfowling monitor. Permits are offered up for inspection voluntarily and wildfowlers know that their behaviour is being monitored. We have received no direct adverse comments about this but are aware of a few behind the scenes grumbles about being “watched”.

The season was generally quieter than usual due to the impact of Avian Flu when many wildfowlers stayed away during the worst of the outbreak during December. Monitoring visits were scaled back slightly. Low numbers of pinkfeet crossing the merse also contributed. In addition to normal monitoring monitor No 1 attended both ends before work to ensure no wildfowlers were accessing the merse early.

It was noted that wildfowlers were not questioning stewards asking to check permits, in some cases they are offering the permit without being asked.  The system is working well now.

The Caerlaverock Estate noted the expectation of very high standards from the visitors, the area is becoming busier with motorhomes, dog walkers, walkers, and more holiday cottages, with everybody out in the early morning; therefore a need to keep on top of standards.

Breaches of permit scheme and incident reports – one incident

Incident report received from NS wildfowling monitor 07 January 2022

Incident account email received from permit holder on 07 January 2022

The incident was discussed by the panel at length and the panel concluded that in this instance a genuine mistake had been made. They agreed after careful consideration that in this instance no ban would be issued.  Although it was recognised that the relevant information was available on the existing documentation that accompanies each issued permit, it was agreed that the information should be simplified with important points emphasised to prevent any future misunderstanding of the rules.

There was discussion about opportunities for education and further provision of assistance for new visitors. It was agreed that whenever they could that the NS wildfowling monitor and stewards will seek to engage with wildfowlers to ensure new visitors were given helpful advice and were clear on the rules of the scheme.

Decision – No ban given – the instructions to be amended and additional guidance and support will be given to new wildfowlers.

AP 36/1 – SMcI to send letter to permit holder

Feedback (including questionnaires from wildfowlers) and discussion

23 feedback questionnaire returned

Comments received:

• car sticker could be stickier
• stop high shooting, but I know this is being tackled
• appreciate efforts of all involved, amazing place
• very friendly and efficient wardens
• efficient
• access excellent for older people like me, easyish walking and plenty of cover
• I wish all Scottish foreshore was controlled in this way
• well run scheme
• thank you
• runs good
• seems much better run this season
• appreciated avian flu email updates, chose not to use permit
• I did not use my permit this year mainly due to the avian flu outbreak

95% of returns rated experience as 10 on score of 1 – 10 where 10 is very positive
One review scored admin 5, information 10, monitoring 5, recommend to others 5
One review scored 10 for everything except monitoring scored at 7
One scored 10 for everything but for ‘would you recommend to others’ scored 1.

Compliment letter – hardcopy of October letter provided to the panel.

Discussed request for shooting for youngsters, agreed could only take place with the relevant shotgun certificate and insurance, noted BASC support for shooting from the age of 14years with accompanying certification.

AP 86/2 SMcI to seek clarification on minimum age for shooting under the permit scheme on a National Nature Reserve.

SSWA – feedback on wording in notes related to disciplinary process - discussed a few areas for improvement to the information relating to the disciplinary process in the event of a breach. Agreed to draft changes to provide further detail and to include clarification of the start and end date of the ban period.

AP 86/3 – DG and SMcI to draft update to notes

AOB - none received.

Discussed local newspaper articles about avian flu, in January there had been an article submitted by a local member of the public which was critical of the lack of a wildfowling ban during avian flu, in February the CDWA had printed their own article in response. Discussed the complex issue of disturbance not just by wildfowlers and the implications of temporary suspensions to activities in relation to non-captive birds. Recognised that there had been a delay in government response to the rapid escalation of the outbreak in early December, and that given the extent of the outbreak that it would not have been unreasonable to have seen a temporary suspension while the situation was assessed. Agreed that by the time any such measures were discussed at a high enough level to implement a statutory suspension that it had been too late for effective action during the wildfowling season.

Next panel meeting – will be end of March 2023

Welcome and introduction

Attendees:      
Robbie Cowan (RC) – Caerlaverock Estate
Anna Austin (AA) – Caerlaverock Estate
Graeme Dalby (GD) – Caerlaverock District Wildfowlers Association (CDWA)
David Gilbert (DG) – Scottish Solway Widlfowlers Association (SSWA)
Cameron Balfour (CB) – British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
Stuart Graham (SG) – NatureScot - chair
Suzanne McIntyre (SMcI) – NatureScot
Andrew Over (AO) – NatureScot
Susan Copeland – NatureScot minutes

Apologies

Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS)

Previous minutes and actions

Approved

Wildfowl report  

Pink - footed Geese

Nature Scot Icelandic Goose Count (IGC) Results –
24^th Oct - 1591
21^st Nov - 448

This year we did not carry out an IGC count in March but there was a noticeable increase in pink-footed geese in the area in January and February 2023.

Barnacle Goose

Nature Scot Icelandic Goose Count Results –
24^th 0ct - 1444
21^st Nov – 2056

No roost count carried out in 2023. Up to 3,000 barnacles regularly feeding on the saltmarsh between Hollands and Castle corner. Total number of Solway barnacles down by 10,000, lowing to Avian Influenza in 2021/22, latest maximum count for Solway indicates total of just under 34,000. Although mortality rates were much lower on the Solway this year, still seeing higher rates than in a typical year e.g. on the reserve signs of over 20 dead barnacle goose and over 40 pink footed goose, high predation levels makes totals difficult to predict, have heard of higher numbers of affected pink footed geese on the South Solway.

Greylag Geese 

Peak of 82 greylag geese recorded across the NNR in September. No other records outwith this month.

Canada Geese

Peak of 27 Canada geese recorded across the NNR in November. Smaller numbers also recorded in September and January.

Pintail

Peak of 802 pintail recorded across the NNR in September. Smaller numbers also recorded between October-February.

Wigeon

Peak of 479 across the NNR recorded in November. Smaller numbers also recorded in September, October, December and January.

Teal

Peak of 142 pintail recorded across the NNR in September. Smaller numbers also recorded in October, December and January.

Mallard

Peak of 40 mallard recorded across the NNR in September. Smaller numbers also recorded between October-February.

Shoveler

No shoveler recorded across the NNR.

Gadwall

No gadwall recorded across the NNR.

Confirmed that historic bird count information available from the previous minutes on NatureScot, data recorders could also request reports from British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

Noted changes to habits in pink and barnacles locally, while barnacles staying on the reserve merse in large groups, they had also been moving to the Greenmerse along the Nith river. Noted the lower numbers of pinks in the first half of the wildfowling season, discussed impact of weather and available food crops further south. Barnacle population total was down as expected by 25%, but generally birds appearing to be in good health. Discussed likelihood of Avian Influenza (AI) having more impact on the older birds in the population.

The local wildfowling clubs had sent shot wildfowl for AI testing as part of a project in conjunction with Leeds University. Two pink footed geese samples were positive and it was noted that, in contrast to last season, many of the birds carrying the virus appeared healthier and not showing signs of illness. The testing carried out by Leeds University included sick and healthy bird samples, a report to be emailed to the panel members by the chair of the CDWA once completed.  During discussion it was noted that while some shot birds were healthy there were examples of others that were in poor condition. Noted the dramatic drop in the number of carcasses being found on the reserve as compared to 21/22.

Wildfowling report (shoulder and punt gun)

Season permits used   58%
Visitor permits used     49%

The lower number of pink footed geese during the first half of the season in the Solway area was reflected in the wildfowling report.

Stewards report 

‘Monitoring Report Caerlaverock NNR Season 01 October 2022 – 20 February 2023- Caerlaverock, and Scottish Solway, Wildfowlers

(The monitoring spreadsheet recording all monitoring activity during the season was provided to NatureScot, i.e. a summary of the weekly reports provided to NS during the season)

A total of 244 flights available during the season. Monitors were present on the reserve on 118 of these flights representing 48% of the total number of flights. This represents a total of 142 man/flights by monitors. This exceeds the agreement with the wildfowling clubs that they would cover 16.5% of flights with NatureScot reserve officer/monitor covering the equivalent of the remaining two thirds (33%). Three breaches of regulations were noted by monitors and reported to the NatureScot monitor, AO, two of which related to high shooting which was  dealt with at the time. A more serious incident was reported by the monitors to the NS monitor and involved shooting a protected species. The detail forms part of the weekly report and will be covered at the Panel Meeting. Overall, good standards of behaviour were noted throughout the season. It is now common practice for permits to be offered up for inspection voluntarily and wildfowlers know that their behaviour is being monitored. We have received no direct adverse comments about this but know one or two “old hands” do not like the limit on shooting height and “being watched”. We have though received a number of compliments about the way the Reserve is wardened and a number of wildfowlers have specifically said they shoot Caerlaverock because it is! Monitors try to remain helpful and approachable at all times to both shooters and general members of the public. The season was generally quieter with numbers of wildfowlers baring no relationship to the number of tickets issued. From discussions we believe that the economic climate and increased costs of travel and accommodation forced wildfowlers to curtail what is a leisure activity. Low numbers of pinkfeet crossing the merse through the middle of the season also undoubtedly contributed.’

The monitoring scheme was explained for the benefit of two new panel members, in the current format NatureScot provide a wildfowling monitor and the local clubs provide volunteer monitoring stewards who work closely with the NS reserve officer/monitor. Thanks was given to the volunteer monitors, from both NatureScot reserve team and chair as well as Caerlaverock Estate who also thanked the NatureScot wildfowling monitor; the high standards that are in place on the reserve were noted and appreciated.  Managing a well-run scheme was seen by the local community representative to be of importance in relation to the attracting income to local businesses.

Discussed how to introduce the younger population to wildfowling and how to maintain high standards and a best practice approach when encouraging new members. Noted the potential shift towards wildfowling with the increasing costs of pheasant and deer shooting. BASC had noticed an increase in calls to the organisation about wildfowling.  

It was noted that the wildfowlers who came to Caerlaverock were attracted to it because it was an NNR and controlled, unlike other areas of the foreshore open to wildfowling under Scottish law, which by its nature was beneficial for access but could also be a disadvantage in relation to control and influence of best practice behaviour. BASC noted that good behaviour was about education of wildfowlers and that mentoring schemes were common. Also discussed the different desired outcomes for wildfowlers who could go out locally at short notice and those who had to travel some distance to enjoy a good day out. A question was raised about future plans about changes to Crown Estate owned land, the panel members were unable to provide an answer.

Breaches of permit scheme and incident reports

Three incidents occurred during the season, the permit holder, witness and monitor statements were discussed in detail by the panel and the following bans were issued.

• A one year ban, reduced from two years, owing to what was considered by the panel to be a genuine mistake, on condition that the wildfowler concerned engage with the local clubs and NS monitor to get a better understanding of the species and wildfowling best practice on the reserve during the year’s ban.
• A one year ban was issued for a breach of the access times onto the shooting zone.
• A lifetime ban for a repeat breach of the access time onto the shooting zone for which a one year ban had already been served two seasons previously.
• Four permit holders did not return their permits in spite of reminders, this is clearly laid out a requirement for all permit holders, and one year bans were imposed.

During the season the NatureScot wildfowling monitor had given two warnings regarding high shooting

AP 87/1 – SMcI to send emails to relevant permit holders

Feedback (including questionnaires from wildfowlers) and discussion

NatureScot had received three letters complimenting the scheme and monitors.

The NatureScot wildfowling monitor raised a question based on interactions with a couple of wildfowlers during the season about shooting within the shooting zone but near the public path;  after discussion the panel concluded that there was no need to make any adjustments to the shooting zone area but that a best practice advice note would be added to the accompanying permit notes for the next season to raise awareness for wildfowlers, especially as there has been an increase in the number of walkers on the reserve footpaths since 2020, covid-19 year.

AP 87/2 –SMcI to update to notes

AOB 

The item raised regarding novice wildfowlers was discussed in points 6 and 7 of the meeting.

SSWA noted they would like to help novice wildfowlers who could be directed to club for advice and support, the CDWA was also content with this approach. It was confirmed that apart from a current shotgun licence and current there were no additional qualifications needed for applicants to the Caerlaverock permit scheme.

Next panel meeting – due end of March 2024.

Welcome and introduction

Attendees:

Anna Austin (AA) – Caerlaverock Estate
Robbie Cowan (RC) – Caerlaverock Estate
Graeme Dalby (GD) – Caerlaverock District Wildfowlers Association (CDWA)
David Gilbert (DG) – Scottish Solway Widlfowlers Association (SSWA)
Cameron Balfour (CB) – British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
Stuart Graham (SG) – NatureScot - chair
Suzanne McIntyre (SMcI) – NatureScot
Andrew Over (AO) – NatureScot
Susan Copeland – NatureScot minutes

Previous minutes and actions

Approved

Wildfowl report  

Pink-footed Geese

Nature Scot Icelandic Goose Count (IGC) Results –

16^th Oct – 10,909

22^nd Nov – 1,785 NatureScot side and 2,400 WWT side.

No IGC count carried out in March in 2024.

WeBS results –

Peak of 1,097 pink-footed geese recorded in October. Smaller numbers recorded every month between January – February.

North Solway peak count - 13,470

No confirmed Avian Influenza affected birds across the NNR.

Barnacle Goose

Nature Scot Icelandic Goose Count Results –

16^th Oct – 776

22^nd Nov – 3,705 NatureScot side and 7,500 WWT side.

No IGC count carried out in March in 2024

WeBS results –

Peak of 6,068 barnacles recorded across the NNR in March. Smaller numbers recorded every month between January – February.

North Solway peak count at least 33,000 could be up to 36,000, but still need to check possibility of double counts at a few locations.

No confirmed Avian Influenza affected birds across the NNR.

Greylag Geese

Peak of 13 greylag geese recorded in Novembers Icelandic Goose Count. No other records outwith this month.

Canada Geese

Peak of 14 Canada geese recorded across the NNR in February. 12 in September. No other records outwith these months.

Pintail

Peak of 917 pintail recorded across the NNR in October. Smaller numbers also recorded in September, November, January, February & March.

Wigeon

Peak of 514 wigeon across the NNR recorded in December. Smaller numbers also recorded in October, November, January, February & March.

Teal

Peak of 600 teal recorded across the NNR in September. Smaller numbers also recorded in October, January & March. 

Mallard

Peak of 69 mallard recorded across the NNR in January. Smaller numbers also recorded in September, October, November, February & March. 

Shoveler

No shoveler recorded across the NNR.

Gadwall

No gadwall recorded across the NNR.

The wildfowling report excludes specific WWT counts, but totals are for the north Solway as a whole. The NatureScot counts include Nith up to Hollands and across at Browwell and Moss-side, WWT count between Hollands and the Lochar.  Noted that the pink footed geese were on site for longer this year.  The barnacle geese used the merse a lot, spreading further out. Generally, species numbers stable, little egrets found every day, high numbers of Shelduck in early 2024, with a few Golden Plover, some appeared to be nesting. It was noted that the pink footed geese were tending to move off the roost up the Nith. The Estate noted large number of birds on their fields, the new ponds could be influencing this.

Wildfowling report (shoulder and punt gun)

Shouldergunning

Season permits used   70%
Visitor permits used     62%

Shooting pressure:

Season permits

Permit holders who shot nothing        11
Permit holders who shot nothing        35%                                  
am nobody present                 28
nobody present am                 23%
pm nobody present                 90
nobody present pm                 74%
both flights nobody present    27
5 or fewer birds                       22

Visitors Permits                                                                         

Permit holders who shot nothing        25
Permit holders who shot nothing        63%
am nobody present                 60
nobody present am                 50%
pm nobody present                 67
nobody present pm                 55% 
both flights nobody present    56
5 or fewer birds                       40

Both Categories                                                             

Both flights nobody present                14
am flights nobody present                  17
pm flights nobody present                  50
Both flights more than 15 present      0
Permit holders who shot nothing        36
shot nothing    51%
 

Discussed that the number of season permit holders has been slowly declining, with a notable difference in numbers between present and 20 years ago. Raised issue of wildfowlers booking dates for February and then not turning up, agreed a perennial issue, NatureScot have provided information on this when permits are issued and agreed to check how many times the maximum numbers have been exceeded in February to investigate extent of the issue.

AP 88/1 – SC to update February no show spreadsheet

Noted the use of Facebook to find out where the geese were at any given time.  Reported that Priestside has been quiet all season, but that there have been geese at Gretna and on the South Solway, possibly due to winter storms and shifting sandbanks.

Stewards report 

DG reported: ‘During what was a quiet season for visitors there was total of 242 flights of which monitors were present on 105 (43%). In total 137 monitor flights were recorded. The wildfowling clubs exceeded their agreed contribution recording about three times what was required. During the season there were no recorded incidents. This is believed to be due to the proactive approach taken by the Warden and monitors explaining what was expected at the outset of a visit. The fewer numbers also undoubtedly helped. This is thought to be partly a consequence of the financial climate and partly the lack of geese on the Scottish Solway for the majority of the season. Monitor no 3 met visiting wildfowlers on several occasion this year showing them boundaries, access points and discussing their obligations in respect of entry times and shooting limits. A report was made of a visitor drinking a can of beer after the flight. They were later breathalysed and found not to be over the legal limit.’

Discussed that there have been no incidents of people going on the merse too early this season. Some reminders about high shooting had been given before wildfowlers went out and a few new wildfowlers had been taken out on site for a pre-shoot recce, thank you to DG for this and thank you to both DG and AO for a good season.

Breaches of permit scheme and incident reports

No incidents or breaches occurred this season.  The wildfowler who was sent a letter last season regarding option to reduce his two-year ban through attendance on site with a monitor to improve his ID skills had been in contact but had not managed to get out on site. His two-year ban for 23/24 and 24/25 season will remain in place.

4 permits were not returned.

AP 88/2 – SMcI to send emails/letters to relevant permit holders

Feedback (including questionnaires from wildfowlers) and discussion

Questionnaires have not been sent out for the past couple of seasons, but NS can look to send to any new wildfowlers for next season. NS staff received a very positive feedback letter from a visiting wildfowler. 

AP 88/3 – SC to send questionnaire to new applicants

Discussion

Discussed the article that was published in the BASC magazine in January 2024. It was agreed that in future any such articles should be seen and agreed by the panel before going to publication in order to take into account the views of a range of stakeholders and to check the communication approach/style requirements for example for NatureScot who manage and fund the scheme.

CB had visited Caerlaverock during the season and found the scheme worked very well and gave his thanks to everybody involved.

GD is involved in the BASC Avian Influenza (AI) scheme, and had been collecting samples from dead birds during the season, he had as yet not received any results but once they arrived, he would share with the panel. He hadn’t heard about next season but knows that funding had been granted so assumes it would carry on.

CB said BASC are carrying out research on waterfowl and asked for help with promotion of the scheme to collect bird wings. CB to send the relevant information to SMcI for inclusion in permit packs. DG had encouraged the SSWA members to take part in the project; duck wings should be physically sent, and a photo of goose wings could be uploaded.

Discussed the pink footed goose population, although there was available tracking information, at time of the meeting, there was not up to date information on pink footed goose numbers. It was noted how incredible the data was for the tracked journeys of pink footed geese.

RC thanked everybody involved for their hard work with regards the permit scheme

AP 88/4 – SMcI to add details of BASC scheme to permit pack

Next panel meeting – due end of March / beginning of April 2025