If you would like to know more about deer and boar in the Forest of Dean, come to our autumn meeting at the Mackenzie Hall on Saturday 5 October at 2.30pm. The speaker is Ian Harvey, Forestry England’s wildlife manager for the Forest of Dean, who will talk about his work with the local populations of deer and feral pigs, or wild boar.
Deer and wild boar give rise to a range of emotions and responses across the Forest. Many of us feel a thrill of admiration when we catch sight of a group of fallow deer, perhaps grazing nonchalantly in the distance, or staring back at us warily. On the other hand, anyone who tends a garden or has tried to plant trees probably knows how much damage these magnificent creatures can do.
If anything wild boar have an even worse reputation, although they too have enthusiastic supporters. The Forest is home to the country’s largest breeding population of boar and the damage they can do is often in evidence. They are all descended from captive animals that either escaped or were released illegally. It is estimated that more than 2,500 are at large in mainland Britain.
Like all of our meetings, entry is free to all, members and non-members alike. After the talk Ian will answer questions, and after that we will serve tea, coffee and cake!