Pheasants are non-native birds, bred simply to be shot

Madam,

I was interested to read ‘the comments by Alan Brown, of Lampeter, regarding pheasants.

While I share his pleasure at seeing them it should be pointed out that they are non-native birds, bred and released in their thousands simply to be shot.

The success of this species is not due to the efforts of farmers and conservationists, as Mr Brown suggested, but to the efforts of shooting syndicates in removing any possible predators.

The pine marten, which Mr Brown seems so worried about, is a native species which is recovering from human persecution, and as a primarily woodland species is unlikely to affect the population of pheasants which are more often found in open country. I hope this clears up any confusion.

Yours etc,

D Woodbury, Talybont.

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