Times they are a changing

[Bulldogman 55]

Most of the expansion in population has been driven by net immigration, mainly of people of child bearing age. Most of these people wont want to live in the countryside, so hopefully the housing shortage will be met by development of brownfield sites in cities.

 

The rich hobby farmers have always existed, they have increased no doubt as traditional farmers have sold out to them when they couldnt turn a profit from smaller farms. These people view the farm as an income generating asset and sporting rights/permissions form part of that mindset. They will view the odd rabbit taken as theft, as opposed to a traditional farmer who may have viewed it as payment for another pair of eyes on his land. Invariably the increase in machinery and fuel thefts has made people more paranoid about who is on their land. If i were ever fortunate enough to own a farm I would rather a couple of lads ran their dogs over it at night and guarded their permission and my property at the same time. The other option would be getting paranoid about every strange car late at night!

 

Chav types with no respect have always plauged countrysports but I am sure that if younger hunters show landowners that they are respectful and will aid security then eventually they may get permission.

Edited September 11, 2011 by Bulldogman