Wildfowling in dismay as Lough Neagh leases not renewed

The wildfowling community in Northern Ireland has expressed deep disappointment following the decision by Lord Shaftesbury not to renew shooting leases on Lough Neagh.

The discouraging news came to light at a wildfowlers meeting with the Lough Neagh Partnership. Countryside Alliance Ireland has managed to get a hold of a copy of one of these letters sent to leaseholders, in which it cites the presence of toxic blue-green algae as the primary reason.

CAI, along with others, has advocated for wildfowlers to come together and set up an association or federation to strengthen their voice on the Lough, and while we are disappointed with Lord Shaftsbury's decision, this should be used to galvanize the wildfowling community.

Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, has long been a hub for wildfowling enthusiasts, who have leased sections of the lough for controlled shooting for generations.

However, in a move that has sparked outrage among the community, Lord Shaftesbury, whose family estate owns much of the lough’s bed, has announced that these leases will not be renewed due to concerns about the ongoing environmental crisis affecting the water body.

The presence of blue-green algae, a toxic cyanobacterial bloom that has spread across Lough Neagh, has been an escalating problem in recent years, with severe consequences for aquatic life, public health, and local livelihoods. Lord Shaftesbury has stated that he believes allowing continued shooting on the lough is incompatible with efforts to combat the ecological disaster unfolding in the area. He argues that by ending wildfowling leases, the estate can contribute to a broader environmental initiative to improve water quality and reduce pollution.

As the landowner, Lord Shaftesbury has the legal right, like any landlord, to decide whether or not to renew leases. However, the decision has been met with dismay from wildfowlers, who insist that they are being unfairly targeted while other activities, such as commercial sand extraction and agricultural runoff, remain largely unregulated contributors to the lough’s deterioration. CAI, along with the wildfowling community, has long argued that their sport has a minimal environmental impact and that they have long played a key role in conservation efforts, including habitat protection and monitoring of bird populations.

Back in 2022 CAI gave a presentation at Ballyronan Marina in front of Lord Shaftsbury, highlighting the value of wildfowlers on Lough Neagh.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, expressed frustration at the decision, stating:

“This is a devastating blow to our community, which has been actively involved in the responsible management of Lough Neagh’s wildfowl populations for decades.

“It is deeply unfair to single us out when the real culprits behind the lough’s environmental problems are being allowed to continue their activities unchecked.”

Gary McCartney also warned that the move could have unintended consequences, such as a decline in conservation efforts and a loss of the traditional knowledge that wildfowlers bring to local ecosystems. He pointed out that wildfowling clubs invest heavily in habitat maintenance and support wider conservation goals, often working in partnership with environmental groups to ensure sustainable hunting practices.

Some critics suggest that the decision may be driven by broader strategic considerations, such as reducing liabilities or altering the management and ownership structure of Lough Neagh in the future. The lack of consultation with affected parties has also been a key point of contention, with wildfowlers calling for discussions to find a balanced approach that protects both the environment and their traditional rights.

The wider ecological crisis at Lough Neagh continues to be a growing concern, with experts warning that without urgent action, the waterway’s condition will deteriorate further. There have been growing calls for stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural pollution, with many arguing that systemic issues should be tackled instead of unfairly burdening small communities like the wildfowlers.

As tensions rise within local communities around the Lough, it remains to be seen whether Lord Shaftesbury’s decision will be reconsidered or whether this marks the end of wildfowling on Lough Neagh, a tradition that has spanned generations. In the meantime, the wildfowling community continues to push back, determined to make their voices heard in the debate over the future of one of Northern Ireland’s most treasured natural landscapes.