Sheppey "leave the footpath please" request.

[KentYeti]

Got asked to leave a public footpath where I had stopped to take photographs yesterday. On a small bridge over a dyke that is close to where wildfowlers have their hides, (on private land).

By the guy that came to deposit feed for the wildfowl.

I gently stood my ground pointing out that I am permitted to stop, rest, take refreshment etc on a public footpath. Although I am not sure whether some sort of time limit applies to such stops?

So we had an amicable chat about the problems of wildfowling in the drought, and about the owls. There are a pair of Tawny Owls not far away!

And I learned the concerns of the wildlfowlers about bird watchers encroaching across their private land, using the hides and disturbing the wild fowl, (none there at present).

I've been at or near that location very many times this year and never seen that encroachment, but I can see it could be a problem.

I did also point out, very gently, that care would be needed in asking people who had stopped to view the birds to leave the footpath. I know some individuals who are/once were within the Ramblers Association Membership who would react very badly to such a request, and start organising large group walks over the path at inconvenient times. Plus taking all steps to have the path kept open all year: it needs some planking to keep it open during wet times.

I've thought about the matter overnight and decided I will significantly reduce my time at that location. I can take photos from very near by anyway. And I do accept others have the right to enjoy their countryside pursuits without them being partly ruined by others. I am neither pro or anti hunting, fishing and shooting. Although I do see it as an integral part of the UK country way of life.

I don't want to give birders/bird photographers a bad name either; especially when there is a very good viewing point only a few hundred yards away. And plenty of roadside viewing nearby.

My trips out are for fun, not confrontation, (not that this was particularly confrontational, we both kept our cool very well), but it is a situation that could escalate if handled wrongly. I'll still use the path, not stop at that location anywhere near as often, and walk parts I've not walked before.

Cheers,

Bryan

[Ukwildlifeo]

Interesting that that they are irritated with birdwatchers/photographers. Its a bit hypocritical really when they park in the KWT nature reserve Oare Marshes and shoot from along the boundry and sea wall there. Not to mention the fact Elmley is slowly becoming surrounded by wildfowling ponds built by shooting clubs in Essex and further afield. Seems a bit cheeky to ask others to be out of their way. It quite depressing when you go for a walk in North Kent and all you can hear is the sound of shotguns and see frightened woodcock being flushed. Don't get me wrong im not totally anti hunting but they are ruining my activities in the countryside, and while I'm not going purposely get in their way, why should I go out of my way to help them with theirs?

[Deb London]

I tend to be non-confrontational about things. I would probably move elsewhere in future like you say you will Bryan. But if you had said "to hell with them" and stood your ground then I would have understood this too. I think you have every right to be there.

My experience of wildlife-watching, seen through my eyes, is that it's almost impossible to get away from some minor (or major) irritation during a "wildlife walk". Our islands are overcrowded and everyone has their own priorities. It's just a symptom of that. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in. But if it makes no difference to you or anyone/anything you care about, then walk away for the sake of your blood pressure and a quiet life.

[solus]

I wonder if this chap makes a habit of "warning" folk away from this FP? Many people will be put off and not use that path again - this could lead to someone (landowner, wild-fowlers?) one day applying for the path to be closed or diverted "because it isn't used any more".

My thought would be to mention this to your County Council's Rights of Way Officer (letter, e-mail) so they are aware of what is happening: give a detailed description of the location of the FP with National Grid References if possible, or visit the Council offices to consult the Definitive Map of public rights of way.

Incidentally, it might be worth mentioning the waterlogging in bad weather too!

[KentYeti]

I have approached Kent County Council in the past about ploughed up footpaths I have used, and they have acted to get them re-instated.

This situation here is a little different. I don't know if at all, or how finely the local balance is between landowners providing bird watching facilites, (the Raptor Viewing Point, and indeed Elmley Reserve), and the needs of the hunting, shooting and fishing community.

If there is a balance there I don't want to upset it over me using a location on a public path more than is perhaps within the spirit of the law over rights of way.

An interesting development yesterday. The guns were out in force right in that area, but not that specific location, (there are no water fowl there at present).

Two of the beaters were left right next to me to start their beating and we chatted for a good few minutes about shooting , and about the owls.

Some time later when the shoot finished all the 4 x 4s drove back down the Harty Ferry road, and I got a cheery wave from just about everyone in each vehicle. Not sure why!

Incidentally, the shoot had zero impact on the Short Eared Owls. The three that arrived to hunt the field NW of the Raport viewing point stuck to their normal routine. Totally unconcerned by the gunfire. Maybe they thought it was just loud camera shutters clicking. LOL!

And from my discussions with the beaters I could not see they would have been at risk from the guns if they had strayed over the field towards them, (although the shoot was in "non owl food" territory)". The shoot was specifically not to shoot low level birds, only those flushed high up. And from what I saw it looked very well organised and very well disciplined. I guess it has to be these days.

Anyway. Me not using the footpath bridge yesterday which has not proved a particularly good or easy location for top quality photos, saw me photo from inside my car with the door open, ( I had some sort of head cover camoflage), and I got my best yet in flight shot of an SOE!

Cheers,

Bryan

[FUDGEY]

I am so glad I live in Scotland, the laws up here are fantastic for the likes of me who love the out doors.