Somerset Trust Badger Group

URGENT CALL FOR HELP AND ACTION

Dear Friends,

You will all be aware that Government have announced pilot badger culling areas in West Somerset and Gloucestershire/Hereford/Worcestershire. The former covers 288 sq.km. and the latter 331 sq.km.

We are of course totally opposed to such futile culling of what will be largely healthy badgers, many of them this years cubs. To oppose the culls we have developed strategies, part of which is to highlight the potential and real detriment to tourism in these areas, as a result of culling. The economy of West Somerset in particular depends significantly on tourism.

We earnestly request that you ask your members, families, friends and others to consider not visiting these areas in protest to the culling. If anyone who is concerned to help us was intending to visit these areas, they may like to consider cancelling their holiday.

Additionally if everyone was prepared to write to or email the Somerset Tourist Association explaining why you are/would not visit Somerset because of the badger culling it will be really appreciated. The contact details are relayed below.

I have attached a draft letter that we intend to circulate to holiday businesses in the West Somerset area for your information.

Businesses in the cull area have until 20th February to comment to Natural England. Consequently to have maximum impact you do need you to write immediately.

Thank you and kind regards, Adrian.
(Adrian Coward - Chairman, Somerset Trust Badger Group)

Somerset Tourism Association details:

Bob Smart
Executive Officer
Somerset Tourism Association
Community Interest Group
Wookey Hole Caves
Wookey Hole
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1BB
Email: bob@visitsomerset.co.uk