Monument record 0193601000 - BOARSTALL DUCK DECOY

Plan Form - Irregular.
In centre of decoy is a shallow pond. 3 curved channels or pipes lead from pond (01:001). At SW corner a bank defines the original square shape of the pond, as shown on 1697 map. It had silted up by C19. S edge of pond is formed by a 3m high dam. National Trust survey (B9).
Constructed between 1691 and 1697. Originally a 6-pipe decoy, it provided ducks for the Aubreys and Aubrey-Fletchers of Boarstall House for nearly 250 years, with any surplus sold in local markets and London. Average catches in the late 19th century were 800 per year, but decoyng ceased during WWII. Catching resumed in 1963 and continued until 1974 under the direction of the Wildfowlers Association, to provide ducks for breeding. In 1980 the decoy was purchased by the National Trust, following which two pipes were fully restored. [In 2001] the decoy is still worked for ringing by the decoyman with a dog (B10).