"Country Matters", Biased and offensive? Options

[Biker1]

I see in last weeks NWN that Andrew Davis is once again concentrating on the persecution of wild animals.
He talks of a "country fair" which was held at Benheim (about 40 miles from Newbury) the likes of which, from his description, seem to concentrate mainly on killing wildlife.
His enthusiasm for the gassing of badgers he finds hard to contain as he does that for "controlling" deer.

I am a lover of the countryside but I do not feel the need to blast away at wildlife to do so.

There is no counter argument to his column as the NWN would probably not allow this although there is a "nature notes" column on the same page which seems to concentrate on the more constructive side of enjoying the countryside.
If the NWN is willing I would be more than happy to provide an alternative "country matters" column with a counter viewpoint.
I find his 1/2 page column totally biased concentrating on bloodsports rather than that of country matters in general.
I particularly object to his term of "bunny huggers" for those who do not share his bloodthirsty views. In my opinion most offensive.
Any thoughts?
Do many of you read it? (Page 34 if you haven't.)

[On the edge]

Must admit that whilst I can see there might be a need to manage wildlife populations for various reasons there is no need to be so enthusiastic. In my youth I spent a while with a pest control firm in London 'controlling rats'. Had to be done, but unpleasant - they are lovely creatures.

[Biker1]

whilst I can see there might be a need to manage wildlife populations for various reasons

Possibly so, but if there is a need then lets be discreet about it, not glorify it.
The main reason is probably that there are a lot of humans on this crowded isle needing more and more food, therefore not enough room to allow wildlife to live alongside.

[user23]

The main reason is probably that there are a lot of humans on this crowded isle needing more and more food, therefore not enough room to allow wildlife to live alongside.

Isn't a large amount of our food imported?

[Cognosco]

Isn't a large amount of our food imported?

Yes because of cheap foreign labour. Also a lot of our farming land is being concreted over. Just look at what is happening around Newbury, any green space and the council or the Newbury Few want to develop it for short gain profit.

[user23]

Yes because of cheap foreign labour. Also a lot of our farming land is being concreted over. Just look at what is happening around Newbury, any green space and the council or the Newbury Few want to develop it for short gain profit.

Which farming land in Newbury is being concreted over?

[Cognosco]

Which farming land in Newbury is being concreted over?

Er - Sandleford? We have now infilled up to the Newbury bypass which we were insured would not happen! Come on User you can't really try to deflect the impossible surely?

[NWNREADER]

Er - Sandleford? We have now infilled up to the Newbury bypass which we were insured would not happen! Come on User you can't really try to deflect the impossible surely?

Sandleford has not been farmland for several years - it has stood fallow for ages.

Infilled up to the by-pass? Where?

[user23]

Er - Sandleford? We have now infilled up to the Newbury bypass which we were insured would not happen! Come on User you can't really try to deflect the impossible surely?

Sandleford isn't farmland and we haven't "infilled up to the Newbury bypass".

Here's a map of some nice green fields.

[Cognosco]

Sandleford has not been farmland for several years - it has stood fallow for ages.

Infilled up to the by-pass? Where?

Sandleford Farm? Now the recycling centre. Houses built right up to the bypass - Enborne - by the old Enborne Garage?

[On the edge]

Sandleford isn't farmland and we haven't "infilled up to the Newbury bypass".

Here's a map of some nice green fields.

Phew! Thank goodness LDs not in - or it would soon be covered with Astro turf, floodlights and medical centres - like the 'green gap' between Newbury and Thatcham!

[Cognosco]

Sandleford isn't farmland and we haven't "infilled up to the Newbury bypass".

Here's a map of some nice green fields.

Try a link for a map 25 years ago and.....

[user23]

Phew! Thank goodness LDs not in - or it would soon be covered with Astro turf, floodlights and medical centres - like the 'green gap' between Newbury and Thatcham!

This green gap?

[spartacus]

I spent a while with a pest control firm in London 'controlling rats'. Had to be done, but unpleasant - they are lovely creatures.

You're kidding right? No, seriously..... you ARE kidding aren't you?

Is that what the householders that called you in to get rid of them in your previous job called them? 'lovely'? I can't see our little friend Ben (Rattus rattus) being a lovely creature...

If not, you are Michael Jackson and I claim the £5 reward....

[Andy Capp]

Rats make good pets apparently.

[spartacus]

Rats make good pets apparently.

hmmm... well they also make tasty (if a little crunchy) treats....

[Turin Machine]

Siberian hamsters ??

[Dodgys smarter b...]

"I say to man in shop "Is rat." He say "No, no, no. Is a special kind of hamster. Is filigree Siberian hamster." Only one in shop. He make special price: only five pound"

[Darren]

Basil!!!

[Biker1]

Can I draw this back on track to the original point which is - Is the Andrew Davis column biased and offensive?