The University of Kent apparently backs up claims made by the pro-hunting lobby that hunting and shooting encourage the conservation of natural habitats because landowners are encouraged to maintain woodland and hedgerows and plant new woodland.
What a shame if that is the only reason for doing so: To encourage foxes to take up residence so the hunt has something to chase and to breed birds to blast out of the sky.
I would have thought the mere sight of the beautiful countryside would be enough to encourage so-called country people to maintain this precious gem.
-Roberta Edwards, Shoreham-by-Sea
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