Andy Gray discusses the wide-ranging implications of rewilding in its various forms
Rewilding. The word leads to unending controversy and polarised views. Let’s explore why. As a sportsman, what is there not to like? Cleaner rivers, more wildlife to pursue, more wild places to enjoy. However, the rewilding idea is perceived as part of an environmental, ‘Packhamite’ agenda, and one that your average country person is rather suspicious and dismissive of. I would argue there could be more good than bad, though. As with all land management, it is complex both in terms of the environment and the socio-economic results.
Farmers are tired of being led up one garden path after another. Everyone has an opinion as to what our land should be and do. We have had policies dragging the land in one direction, then another. Farmers and land managers have retreated to a simple principle: we use land to produce food. Not to produce food is a crime in the eyes of most of the farming community. Food
