WILDLIFE campaigner and legendary Queen guitarist Dr Brian May predicts a 'bloody battle' will erupt in the Dean over the Government's decision to press ahead with a pilot badger cull.

Speaking to The Forester on the day that the Badger Trust's appeal against the cull was thrown out of court, Dr May said farmers could suffer as milk and other products are boycotted in protest.

The Newent area has been identified as one of two pilot cull regions in the UK where roughly 3,400 badgers will be shot. Dr May is due to speak at the Bells Hotel in Coleford with representatives from Gloucestershire Against Badger Shooting tomorrow at 6.30pm.

A spokesman for Defra said the decision was essential to save 26,000 TB-infected cattle being culled every year.

See Forester for full interview