An insult to rural communities
AS familiar a ritual as bagging the first brace, the start of the grouse season each year heralds an onslaught from those against the sport.
This year, Chris Packham has been the most high-profile critic to wade in, arguing that grouse shooting should be ‘terminated’ whatever the cost to jobs, the wider community and the environment. He ought to know better. As someone whose family earns their living from gamekeeping and moorland management and is part of a rural community, Mr Packham’s views are especially distasteful.
Grouse shooting is not likely to meet universal support, but for a BBC presenter to show not even the slightest concern for balance or impartiality in his views is disturbing.
Mr Packham suggests it may be an industry ‘founded on criminal behaviour’ – a slur that traduces me, family who are involved in the industry and my colleagues who work hard to keep Scotland’s moorlands in peak condition.
Scottish Government statistics show that last year there were 20 bird of prey crimes recorded in Scotland – a figure that has been in decline over the years and of which only a small proportion could be connected to any form of game management.
That is still 20 too many and the gamekeepers and estates I know and work with are as opposed to any form of criminal behaviour as Mr Packham. To put it into context, there are more than 300 moors in Scotland generating a massive amount not just in employment and tourism benefit but also in conservation. It does not stand to reason that an entire industry should be wiped out on this basis.
One recent wildlife study showed the number of bird species thriving on three Scottish grouse moors – including one where my husband is head keeper – was an astonishing 81.
Estates are keen to ensure an assemblage of birds and species on the moor that can live in well-managed numbers. If we remove keepering, it is likely that the rich diversity of species will decline due to the survival of the fittest.
All of the economic and environmental reasons do not excuse or condone anyone who engages in illegal activity.
However, banning shooting would slaughter fragile rural communities and for a BBC presenter to say effectively ‘to hell with the consequences’ is lamentable.