Decision delayed on wildfowling petitions to allow voluntary scheme chance of success

MORAY Council has delayed consideration of the wildfowling petitions currently lodged with the authority, with hopes that the voluntary scheme in place this season will succeed.

Members of the council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee agreed today to review the success, or otherwise, of the voluntary scheme at the end of the 2017/18 season.

In the meantime, councillors have instructed that shooting on council-owned land in Findhorn will not be permitted above the mean high water mark. Signage will be installed on Moray Council land at Findhorn Bay, Police Scotland and shooting associations will also be written to, to confirm the council’s decision.

Chair of the committee, Cllr John Cowe, said the issues surrounding wildfowling were long-running. He also praised the efforts of Roy Dennis, Chair of Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve Management Committee, who he said had committed “so much of his own personal time” engaging with residents, shooting associations and the council, and creating the voluntary scheme.

He added: “In my view, it would be premature to make a decision on the petitions which have been lodged from the Friends of Findhorn Bay and from the wildfowlers. We should give the voluntary scheme a chance to succeed, rather than assume that because the Scottish Association for Countryside Sports is not in favour, that it will be an out and out failure.

“I reiterate to all parties that a huge amount of work has gone in to this voluntary scheme and would encourage all wildfowlers to sign up for their permits and adhere to the scheme.”