Membership What is The Leicestershire Wildfowlers Association? The LWA consists of shooting people and enthusiasts with a common interest in shooting in all its forms and offers a wide variety of activities or its members to enjoy.
Juniors and Educational Activities - This important section was started in 1980 and, together with the many varied sections within the Association there is tremendous scope to educate interest in the sport of shooting, conservation and allied mattered. There is no minimum age for joining.
Wildfowling - Although the LWA was originally founded in 1957 by a group of wildfowlers to protect their interests on the coast. Wildfowling is now just one facet of our pursuits. Shooting is available on the East Coast and in other coastal areas through liaison with other wildfowling associations. In 1993 the Association jointly purchased an area of land at Erith on the Ouse washes in Cambridgeshire which provides excellent duck shooting throughout the season.
Conservation - The Association believes in putting back more than we take out and since the formation of the LWA we have reared, ringed and released over 32,000 ducklings on to sanctuary waters in Leicestershire. In 1984 a Snipe project was established at Grace Dieu and recognised by being awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Laurent Perrier Conservation Awards in 1986.
The acquisition of a large area of land containing disused gravel pits at Kirby Bellars, Melton Mowbray, leased to the Association by the kind generosity of our Vice President, Mr R A Jelley in 1987. This saw the start of a major conservation project named Priory Water. Improvements to the land have been carried out by members which have created excellent habitat for a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The site has become one of the most important wildfowl areas in the county. Regular bird counts are taken on a weekly basis with over 150 species being recorded. A field centre has been built and forms part of the educational plan for the site. Working closely with local and national experts work will continue over the coming years to improve the reserve still further.
Fishing - A limited amount of fishing is allowed on the priory Water Reserve. A small additional fee is charged for the fishing permit. The water contains specimen tench and carp up to 25lb, bream to 16lb and pike well in excess of 25lb. Members are required to till in a seasonal catch return so as to monitor the quality of the fish and water.
Pigeon Shooting - One of our most popular offerings during November to April is the chance for members to shoot wood pigeon and other vermin by courtesy of farmers and land owners. Usually there are shoots arranged on a Saturday and Thursday.
Ferreting - Increased interest is being shown in the sport, which was first introduced to the LWA in 1976. Outing usually take place on Sundays at various venues.
Gundogs - Everyone who shoots should have a well-trained dog so that wounded quarry can be retrieved and despatched as quickly as possible. Training classes are held a various venues during the summer months and, together with working tests and inter-club competitions, this section provides a valuable service to members, some of who have gone on to participate in and sometimes win Field Trials. The Association also provides a service to shoots in the Midlands by providing beaters and pickers up offering an opportunity for dogs and handlers to work in field conditions.
The Social Scene - In the winter months meeting are arranged usually on the second Monday of the month at which there are film shows, talks and practical demonstration on a wide variety of subjects. 1988 brought the introduction of celebrity speakers. Past subjects include antique weapons, archery, big game hunting, falconry, fishing, forestry, foxhunting, game-keeping, grouse shooting, punt-gunning, stalking, and taxidermy as well as the more usual topics relating to shooting and conservation.
Related Public Events - We are keen participants in local rural and village shows to promote what the LWA can provide.
Communication - Regular newsletters and a quarterly Pintail magazine are sent to all members keeping them informed at updated of future events and any matters of interest.
Insurance - Finally, but by no means the least important, as your membership of the BASC is included in your annual membership fee, all members are covered for legal liability or bodily injury and damage to property resulting from shooting and conservation activities during the period of valid membership.
Membership Fees For 2020 LWA FULL MEMBERSHIP INC BASC - £110
JUNIOR MEMBER (BASC) UP TO 18 YEARS OLD - £24
JUNIOR MEMBER (BASC AND LWA) 18 TO 21 YEARS OLD - £73
FISHING MEMBER (ADDITIONAL FEE FOR PAID UP MEMBERS) - £10
All LWA members will be enrolled with BASC as part of the annual membership fee.
Payment by Bankers order or cheque.
Cheques to be made payable to The Leicestershire Wildfowlers Association and sent to the membership Secretary.
Membership Application - Contact M. Green on [email protected]
