AN EXASPERATED farmer has called for “a common sense approach” after losing 25 lambs to foxes in only a matter of weeks.

Meirion Jones, 67, was born and raised on Cwm Mynach Isa farm, Bontddu, and believes this year is “one of the worst ever” for losing his livestock to countryside predators.

Over the years, Meirion has been able to use his foxhounds and shotgun to contain the problem, but is having difficulty this year as he is not allowed on the neighbouring land, owned by the Woodland Trust, with firearms.

“It’s awful, every night in our bedroom we can hear the ewes screaming and running down the field, we’re just helpless to stop it,” said Meirion.

“We know the foxes are attacking the newborns – we lost one Tuesday morning – but we can’t stop them.

“This is my livelihood. I may lose as many as 50 or 60 lambs at this rate, that’s a big percentage of my stock. It makes you wonder whether it’s worth going to the trouble any more.”

A spokesperson for the Woodland Trust said in response: “We hugely value the co-operation of Mr Jones in looking after Cwm Mynach.

“Therefore, as a responsible land owner, we are now arranging for our own stalker to control fox numbers in Cwm Mynach. This is expected to take place almost immediately."

Read the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News