BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN In the rolling paddocks of motoring, where sleek German thoroughbreds once pranced and pretentious 4x4s posed, there now stands a singular monument to humble triumph. It is not polished (except by downpours). It smells vaguely of hawk and less vaguely of fart. It is ex-gamekeeper turned falconer and CSM columnist, Gary Baxter’s Dacia Duster, which has just lolloped, unburdened by vanity, past … Continue reading The Hare and the Duster
BY BERT BURNETT Why ‘Official’ Conservation Fears Success In the rolling hills and managed woodlands of Britain, a quiet war is being waged for the future of our native species. On one side are the gamekeepers and land managers, whose hands-on stewardship has preserved the very landscapes we hold dear. On the other, a powerful coalition of once well-funded conservation charities who, from their air-conditioned … Continue reading The Captive Release Blockade
BY GARY BAXTER Last week I went to see Charlie Jacoby at a gathering of likeminded folk not too far from home. It was nice to see so many people there for an evening of fun. While there I was described as the second most angry falconer and field sports enthusiast in the country. Well I know I have much displeasure with those utter dipsticks … Continue reading Notes from the Actual Countryside
BY BERT BURNETT Loch Lomond was once a stronghold for capercaillie but thanks to RSPB type management where nature takes its own course the capercaillie is now gone forever. It has been suggested for years that the way to bring back capercaillie is to rear and release but RSPB have effectively blocked any attempts for this to happen. They encourage releases with so many other … Continue reading The RSPB Works in Mysterious Ways
BY KEN GRIFFIN Dear Editor, Good day to you. A friend of mine took a humorous poke at me the other week and made mention of wolf reintroduction in Scotland, and it brings to mind something I have been working through my mind regarding the human species. I term it thus : The finite extent of otherwise educated rationale. This deals with the academic capacity … Continue reading Unintended Consequences
The RSPB wants to get a job as the nation’s gamekeeper. And it looks like it wants to get rid of all the other gamekeepers. Is the RSPB a cuckoo in the nest? Charlie Jacoby talks to people on all sides of the argument in an attempt to find out what the RSPB is up to. Continue reading The RSPB – Britain’s New Gamekeeper?
BY BERT BURNETT On Thursday STV were too quick to highlight that Scotland’s wildlife population is in a state of consistent decline, referencing a new report. 70 wildlife groups joined forces with Scottish government agencies for the first time, to analyse data about nearly 6500 species across land and sea for the latest ‘State of Nature’ report. It found that in the five decades since … Continue reading A Scottish Gamekeeper Speaks Out
