Just back in from ferreting a plantation of young larch and scots pine trees. I am soaked to the skin and frozen. My daughter is visiting us with her boyfriend and I thought it would be a good chance for him to see some different animal tracks in the snow. I knew there was still one rabbit to get, but, as it was raining hard, I was hoping the rabbit would bolt quickly- who am I kidding? Three hours before the pesky thing bolted. The joys of young tree protection!
We are nearly at the end of 2011. As I write this blog tomorrow is the shortest day of the year, a day everybody who works in the countryside should take time to celebrate as the hours of daylight have the biggest effect on our lives. Every day after tomorrow gives us an extra minute's daylight; something to look forward to as the days stretch out once more.
Looking back on 2011, I think there have been some very positive messages. The grouse season turned out to be very good for many estates, the pheasants seem to be doing well, the stags and the salmon also. But what really seems to be holding up, in this time of dire recession, is the demand for the unique fieldsports that we have in Scotland. There seems to be no shortage of people wanting to come and enjoy a day or a week in the countryside. In this modern- day electronic world, if we can offer people a special unique experience that they will never ever forget, I think that sends out a strong message for folk to come and see a wee bit of our cultural heritage. The other very important trend in the past year has been the desire from the general public to eat more game. Long may it continue.
Politically, we have fought some very important battles especially on the snaring front and we have managed to retain a very important tool in the tool-box. We are also urging government to look again at the buzzard licensing. I strongly believe that Scotland's wildlife would benefit enormously if the powers that be could make a start in managing our biodiversity rather than protecting it all the time!
Wishing everybody a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2012.
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