IN reply to last week s letter by Julian Kirk, of Harps Hall Road, Walton Highway, entitled No wildlife has a chance I took it upon myself to investigate his claims. As a concerned local resident, I approached the local syndicate that shoots in the area

IN reply to last week's letter by Julian Kirk, of Harps Hall Road, Walton Highway, entitled 'No wildlife has a chance' I took it upon myself to investigate his claims.

As a concerned local resident, I approached the local syndicate that shoots in the area for proof of what had been indicated by Mr Kirk.

To my surprise I found the group a rather pleasant lot and eager to help and point out to me that through the years that the shoot has been going a large number of wooded areas have been planted and crops grown to allow for cover and food for all manner of wildlife.

The countryside is managed so that the animals and birds have a habitat to live and thrive in, all paid for by the syndicate.

As I walked with them I noticed a large number of pheasants. It was pointed out that of the 600 birds that are put down for the shooting season, only a small number are shot, allowing the others to populate the surrounding countryside.

Birds fly, and fly to wherever they wish. They are not penned in and kept against their will and are fed regularly.

I was also told that I should come in the summer to hear all the songbirds that populate the wooded areas that have matured since they have been planted. The group take health and safety very seriously, as they should, and follow all rules and regulations.

While walking I saw fully grown muntjac deer, owls, a heron and many other kinds of wildlife.

If the syndicate didn't rent the land with the orchards on them perhaps they too would be pulled up and become open farmland, then the wildlife would disappear along with them.

People will always agree or disagree and they are entitled to their opinion and some will only see what they want to.

This happens once a year for a short period of time only.

They have to follow regulations and adhere to the law. All birds that are shot are not wasted - they go to the dining table. Perhaps if people are that worried about it they should ask how their meat is reared and slaughtered to end up in the supermarket.

I think people should be more concerned with cruelty to other animals, whether they be pets or livestock.

Hopefully in the future I will be invited on to the shoot to see how it is managed.Perhaps Mr Kirk should do the same, unless of course he is familiar with the shooting of pheasants?

GILLIAN WEST, Lady's Drove, Emneth