FIRST WOODCOCK

I attach a photograph of the son of a syndicate member who shot his first woodcock at 12 years of age in Perthshire during the 2020-21 season (above). William Peters was delighted with the little bird,

I wrote to you and mentioned the National Trust ending the game shooting and deerstalking at a stately home it took over, some time in the late 1970s or early 1980s I think, setting an early agenda — facilitating the end of shooting. One little bite.

Natural England has again used its authority regarding the general licences to make the control of predators most difficult (News, 3 February).

This will affect game shooting massively, which is, of course, the aim. The resulting demise of any other wildlife is unfortunate collateral damage in their eyes.

Bit by bit, with a rule change here and a rule tightened there, the ability for shoots to function will be gradually eroded, shooting eventually which was flushed by his cocker spaniel Minnie. His father Ralph was by his side on the day.

My family and I are avid readers of your fantastic magazine, which we all really enjoy.

Paul Skinner, by email

coming to an end. Another bite. Perhaps I have read too many spy novels, but it is possible that the decision-makers employed at Natural England are pure antis who have managed over the years to infiltrate and manoeuvre themselves to the positions within the authority where they have influence upon these decisions. This allows anti groups to have some control over the general licence.

Forgetting theories, would it be possible for BASC to organise a members’ petition titled “is Natural England fit for purpose?” If enough members sign, it can then be discussed in Parliament.

I will willingly pay £10 to sign such a petition and generate a fund for legal fees.

P Baldwin, by email

‘‘The wildlife of today is not ours to dispose of as we please. We have it in trust. We must account for it to those who come after.’’ King George VI