Thumbing through news on the rest of the world and I came upon the above, bison being released into Cumbria. These great European bison once roamed this land 6000 years ago. Great as it is to see this and the heartfelt pleasure of the man who bought this happening into being, I do wonder how our overcrowded island can fit in bison and humans together. Especially as I also caught in the news a bison tossing a grandfather in the air in America. The bison wasn't out to kill him though - I think it was the mating season for bison over there.
Rewilding is the name of the game. We all know of the wild boars of the Forest of Dean. An accidental release for them, but they seem to have settled down and do not attack humans, though perhaps dogs might be a different kettle of fish.
Isabella Tree (apt name) is also in the process with her husband of rewilding their estate. This includes bringing cattle to graze and the killing and butchering of animals not exactly a pleasant picture. She lives with her husband at Knepp Castle in West Sussex. Her title is Lady Burrell and they have certain schemes to keep this failing estate alive, apparently you can even stay at the castle. Good work on their part.
You will note a slight skepticism in my thoughts on this but in truth I really hope it works for the beavers who are also being released carefully into our rivers to bring out good ecosystems within the river systems. There will be some upset and of course the killing of wild animals from those who do not approve. We have eagles moving down further South and we should welcome all these creatures and even the problems they may cause. It is not just 'our land' we should be able to share equably. But then how do we all fare under Climate Change?
"If recent heatwaves are the symptom, then climate change is the illness, and net zero is the medicine. When public understanding of this link is so low, it’s vital that the dots are joined between these three concepts to help make us all better.”
I take your point about our island being overcrowded, Thelma, but the bison have been released into an uninhabited area. We are as unlikely to see them casually as we are to meet badgers, or wild boar. When I see deer, and I am always excited to see them, I marvel at the ease with which they melt into the woodland, and they're not particularly small. I know bison and even boar are much more substantial, but I hope there is room for us all.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, deer in many parts of England are actually an out-of-control menace, hugely destructive to ecosystems, as there is no apex predator to control their numbers except humans, and the eco crazies don't like the idea of culling.
DeleteOf course with deer they can be culled as meat for those who will eat it, and it is supposed to be good Janice. It is lovely to see deer around, especially early morning. The bison will do some harm to the system, bark stripping is one of their not so good habits, but as the man was saying, the ecosystem changes over time and more birds and insects come in.
Deleteps: I loved the video. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeletePeople should remember not to get too close to wild animals.
ReplyDeleteAn elephant at Bristol Zoo Ellen many years ago, squirted me with water. I have never forgotten that elephant.
DeleteThe rewinding craze is having serious consequences for rural economies, for example in Northumberland displacing productive farming from National Trust land in favour of - nothing, undermining the viability of some rural settlements. And, what should be done with eg the Norfolk Broads - a wholly man-made landscape - rewild that to what?
ReplyDeleteI would have thought Will that there is enough land for both rewilding and farming. Should it be true that cattle are contributing to the carbon problem - than perhaps less cattle? A lot of land such as the moors cannot be farmed for a start. Many farms take on different roles such as holiday homes or cheese-making, there is a distinct movement away from traditional farming to other occupations. Many young people cannot afford the expensive housing in the villages because of the incomers coming in and so move on into the wider world. In all, times are changing and the problems have to be worked out along the way.
DeleteVenison is very good. We used to get culled venison from the Margam Estate.
ReplyDeleteAs for rewilding . . . I wouldn't like to have the experience with a bison that chap did in the video I saw. Wild boar can be very aggressive too, and you wouldn't want to meet one out riding, as horses hate pigs and you might get dumped on the ground far too near the wild boar. I saw a short video the other day which plotted plane flights - thousands a day. Sorry, fuel emissions are what contribute to global warming (although I am not entirely convinced on that yet) - not cows fa*ting.