26th June 2015
THERE is scarcely an acre of Britain which is truly wild, says Charlie Pye-Smith in his compelling new book, The Facts of Rural Life.
Making a convincing case for the need of better wildlife management, he maintains farming, forestry, hunting, water extraction and urbanisation have all had a profound effect on our flora and fauna.
Some top predators have been lost; many other species have been introduced, frequently with disastrous consequences for livestock, crops and native wildlife, explains the author.
The Facts of Rural Life argues that the effective management of wildlife means controlling certain species in order that other, often much rarer species, can thrive. If we want a countryside rich in biodiversity, where farmers can go about their business without their livelihoods being imperilled, we must accept responsibility for managing wildlife, it states.
Doing little, or nothing – which is what often happens – should never be an option, concludes Charlie Pye-Smith. Click here to read more.
Copies available from Brian Fanshawe, Old School House, Ashley, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8SX , £10 cheques payable to VAWM.
