Page 58 - Phonebox Magazine April 2016

Call for lynx and wolf reintroduction to parts of Buckinghamshire
The Wolf and Lynx are thought to have become extinct in the area in the Jurassic period.
Lynx, wild boar and wolves, could all
be reintroduced to local parks under plans set out by a new campaign group.
Wilder Britain has been established with the goal of restoring several key species that were hunted to extinction by our far off cousins.
Its supporters argue other European countries are home to large predators. They believe there is no reason why Olney and the surrounding areas, as well as some other parts of Britain, should be any different.
The group’s proposals have already drawn criticism from farmers’ leaders. But the local council seems to be in agreement that this would bring in large amounts of tourism. One local resident complained that “we already have enough dog poo on the streets without wolf droppings as well”.
Keystone species
Wilder Britain says its plans would allow “native forests to regenerate, while giving the seas a chance to recover from industrial fishing”.
But a local resident commented: “We’re that far from the sea that I cannot see what good it would do us. I’ve lived here 50 years and never seen the sea once. There are a lot of puddles about though.”
But it is the group’s goal of reintroducing species including the lynx, and ultimately the wolf, which have attracted most scrutiny.
Our local MP was unavailable for comment last night, and last week. In fact he has not been seen since he went on a shooting party last month.
Spokesperson Javin Tager told Phonebox Magazine: “A lot of our important animals were hunted to extinction, species like the frosted newt, four toed frog and the humped back toad, not to mention the wolf, the wild boar and the lynx. Although we do know that there are a lot of wild boars out and about in the local area. Often seen in local pubs on a Friday night”, he observed.
“These are important keystone species which actually drive ecological processes a lot more efficiently than our local bus service and we should be looking a lot more seriously at bringing these animals back in the future.”
NFU Bucks has called on politicians, the army and Bucks Natural Heritage to “show stronger leadership” on the issue of rewilding.
Vice President Wolfram Quagga said: “Our countryside provides food, forestry, tourism, renewables, field sports, wind and environmental goods.
58 Phonebox Magazine | April 2016
www.wilderbritain.co.uk
“Recent history has taught us any species introduction, whether newt or toad, can have an impact on the many benefits that the countryside currently delivers, much like Tesco Direct, Ocado and a few of the local take away restaurants.” Opponents of ‘Wilder’ cite the return of beavers and sea eagles to Scotland as examples of how reintroductions can cause problems for farmers and crofters.
Landowners on the banks of the Ouse say dams built by beavers could increased erosion and the risk of flooding in neighbouring fields. Not that that doesn’t happen anyway.
Meanwhile property developers have said the opposite: “The beavers could do a good job in stopping flooding on our flood plains which we have highlighted for building houses.”
The animals’ supporters argue they improve biodiversity by creating valuable habitats for a range of other species, and are also useful for clearing up rubbish left by picnickers.
Geoff Bacchus
The Collapse of a House of Cards
T
The truth is that all markets will be disturbed and ours less than most. As the European dream folds up the first out will recover faster than those that follow and Britain is singularly well placed to adjust to the change. Four years ago I painted this scenario whilst arguing with our local Lib-dems. I wonder what will become of that crowd with the death of the EU. Without our financial input Europe will have no resources to draw on to prop up their position in Portugal, Spain, Italy, even Holland and several others as people tire of being driven by a squad of unelected commissioners who have never been able to show a clean set of accounts.
Externally we must expect some early hiccoughs but in terms of international standing we will quickly leave those behind. Among ourselves within our little island we’re moving into unknown territory. David Cameron will be seen as a man of no credibility ... in the country, in parliament and even within the Conservative party. While Brussels has spent years robbing us of control over our future, Conservative party central office under Cameron has sought to downgrade the very roots on which we conservatives stand. I am a conservative and have been since 1952; I well remember the way this party conducted our affairs at that time and on to this century, I hope to see the grass roots get back in control as when the annual conference commanded the party’s policies and priorities, there is much to do. If I take this too far I’ll put you all to sleep. GB
he EU is in a very fragile condition which its leaders (France and Germany) know full well. They are trying desperately to hide their fears and persuade us that all is well. Their greatest fear is the loss they stand to sustain when Britain quits so they
and their friends are telling us that we will be putting ourselves at a disadvantage.