Letter: Humane control of badgers is needed

However he should not forget that in the absence of any natural predator the population of the species will continue to grow and grow until it succumbs to the effects of over-crowding which include disease and starvation.

Meanwhile an increasing number of badgers is having to forage further and dig deeper to find the earthworms which Mr Shaw identifies as the major part of its diet.

As an example I have an allotment less than one mile from Shrewsbury town centre which over the past three or four years has become subject to regular nocturnal visits from badgers.

The evidence is clear to see as the animals target any freshly turned soil in their search for earthworms, climbing over or burrowing under any obstacle. This is particularly annoying when the freshly turned soil has been sown with seeds.

I believe that it is in the interest of all relevant species including the future of the badger – and not forgetting the earthworm which actually plays a much more significant role in the great order of things – that the size of the badger population is controlled by organised culling in just the same way that seals and deer are culled.

I would advocate gassing as the most humane and effective means of doing this and I would also advocate that the work be carried out by joint parties involving representatives of wildlife organisations, land-owners and Defra.We need a national and rational debate on the issue.

Michael Hughes

Shrewsbury