Local farmer: wild boar should be given contraception to keep their numbers down

A Gloucestershire farmer is calling for wild boar to be given contraception to keep their numbers down. It is estimated there are 1500 of the animals loose in the Forest of Dean.

People in the county say they are fed up with the damage they cause, while supporters say they're an asset to the region.

The boars have caused a significant amount of damage at St John's Church in Cinderford.

Wild boar were released into the forest illegally more than a decade ago They have been breeding prolifically and despite yearly culls their numbers - according to some - are increasing rapidly.

In the forest, they are regarded by many as an asset, sought out by tourists, photographers and nature lovers like.

But when they stray into towns, they can cause problems, and can be destructive.

The Forestry Commission says it is up to people to protect their own properties, and even install 5 foot fences.

Reverend Mike Barnsley, the Vicar of Cinderford, said, "The recommendation on their website is to build a fence, five foot and even electrify it, with barbed wire at the top and bottom."

"It just seems completely impractical. I don't think that's what people want to see if they are visiting a churchyard."

At the nearby Edge End recreation ground, no one will be playing football for a while here because wild boar have caused serious damage to the terrain.

Now a local councillor wants to set up a cross party, multi agency committee to try to come up with a solution.

Labour councillor Tom Gwilliam said, "In some ways we are blessed with these boar. But what should have been an asset to the forest has become a bit of a nuisance and a danger. But it can still go back to these boar being an asset."

A few miles away farm park owner Alastair Fraser keeps a handful of wild boar that were either injured or orphaned. He thinks putting the animals on the pill - or rather the jab - will help keep their numbers manageable.

In a statement, the Forestry Commission says "feral wild boar are classed as wild animals and as such it is down to individual land owners to maintain their boundaries to stop the boar entering if they wish to do so. "