Welcome to Rockland Wildfowlers Association
We are a proud BASC affiliated club dedicated to preserving the traditions of wildfowling while actively protecting the landscapes and wildlife that make our sport possible.
Wildfowling is one of Britain’s oldest and most traditional forms of shooting, involving the pursuit of wild duck and geese in their natural habitat across marshes, estuaries, broads and wetlands. Unlike driven shooting, wildfowling is deeply connected to the natural world. Success depends not on numbers, but on fieldcraft, patience, understanding of wildlife and respect for the environment. Flights often take place at dawn or dusk, in challenging winter conditions, where knowledge of weather, tides, bird movement and safe shooting are all essential.
Heritage of Wildfowling in Britain
For centuries, wildfowling has formed part of the cultural heritage of Britain’s waterways and coastal communities. Historically regarded as the “working man’s shooting”, it developed alongside the marshlands and estuaries of the UK, with generations of wildfowlers acting not only as sportsmen, but as custodians of the wetlands themselves. The formation of the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland (now BASC) in 1908 helped establish responsible self-regulation and conservation practices that continue today.
Rockland Wildfowlers Association and Local History
Rockland Wildfowlers Association continues this tradition here in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. Formed in 1985, the club manages wildfowling over Rockland Broad together with more than 1,000 acres of East Anglian marshland. The Broad itself has a rich and colourful history, once frequented by the famous local punt gunner “Old Scientific” Fuller, who lived from the marsh by shooting and fishing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Conservation, Practice, and
Living Tradition
Today, responsible and sustainable shooting remains at the heart of everything we do. Our marshes are carefully managed to prevent over-shooting, with many areas rested throughout the season to support healthy wildfowl populations and minimise disturbance. Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and conservation, reflecting the values promoted nationally by BASC.
Wildfowling is about far more than shooting alone. It is about experiencing wild places at first light, witnessing migration and seasonal change, working alongside well-trained dogs, and helping conserve habitats for future generations to enjoy. It is a tradition built on respect — for quarry species, the countryside and fellow marshmen alike.
To learn more about the heritage and future of wildfowling in the UK, visit the BASC Wildfowling section: BASC Wildfowling
A Marshman’s Life in the Norfolk Broads
“Old Scientific” Fuller
Born of the Marsh
“Old Scientific” Fuller is remembered as part of the rich marshland culture of the Norfolk Broads during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was a time when the Broads were a working landscape as much as a natural one, with people relying on fishing, fowling, reed cutting, and seasonal wetland work to make a living. In this environment, individuals like Fuller became closely tied to the rhythms of the tides, migrations, and changing seasons that shaped daily life on the marshes.
The Punt Gunner of Rockland
Fuller is most commonly associated with the tradition of punt gunning, a historic form of wildfowling carried out from low, flat-bottomed boats known as punts. This practice involved lying almost flush with the water and approaching flocks of wildfowl before firing a large, fixed gun mounted to the boat. It was a demanding and highly skilled way of harvesting birds for food and trade, and it played a notable role in the working economy of the Broads before modern conservation and shooting regulations were introduced.
The Man Behind the Marshland Nickname
Within local accounts, Fuller earned the nickname “Old Scientific,” a title that reflects both his reputation and his distinctive approach to life on the marshes. He is often described as someone who combined practical knowledge of the waterways with an experimental or methodical way of working, particularly in his shooting and fishing practices. Living largely from what the marsh could provide, he became a well-known figure among other marshmen and a memorable character in the oral history of the area.
From Working Waters to Folklore
Although much of Fuller’s life exists in local tradition rather than formal historical record, his story remains part of the cultural memory of wildfowling on the Norfolk Broads. Figures like him represent a bygone era when the boundary between livelihood and sport was far more fluid, and when wetlands were worked landscapes as much as protected environments. Today, his name endures as a reminder of the deep-rooted human history connected to Britain’s coastal marshes and the evolution of more regulated, conservation-led wildfowling practices.
Heritage & Belonging
Become part of a long-established wildfowling club rooted in the Norfolk Broads. Members join a community built on tradition, respect and shared knowledge passed down through generations of marshmen.
Access to Managed Marshes
Enjoy access to carefully managed wildfowling marshes across some of East Anglia’s most historic wetland landscapes. Rotational shooting, clear guidance and structured access help protect both sport and wildlife.
Community & Conservation
Take part in club events, work parties and conservation projects that help maintain hides, access routes and habitats. Membership supports the long-term care of the marshes and strengthens the club community.
OUR STORY
Founded in 1985, Rockland Wildfowlers Association was created to protect and continue the traditional wildfowling rights of Rockland Broad for future generations.
Valued Members
What our members have to say
“Joining Rockland Wildfowlers Association gave me access to some outstanding marshes, but more importantly a great group of knowledgeable and welcoming members. The club has a real respect for both tradition and conservation.”
— David R., Member since 2019
“As someone new to wildfowling, the guidance and support from experienced members has been invaluable. From marsh safety to fieldcraft, the club has helped me learn the right way to enjoy the sport.”
— James T., Member since 2022
“The work the Association puts into managing the marshes is clear to see. Rotational shooting, conservation projects and well-organised access make it a fantastic club to be part of throughout the season.”
— Mark S., Member since 2016