THE Forestry Commission is keeping details of the forthcoming wild boar cull close to its chest, following threats by protesters and animal rights activists that they will intervene. Reports in the national press have claimed that pro-boar groups plan to disrupt the planned cull, which will reduce the number of boar on Forestry-owned land. Using thermal imaging cameras to conduct their survey, the Forestry Commission estimates that boar numbers have risen from 535 in 2013 to 819 in 2014, despite a cull of 135 animals.

For the full story, read The Forester.