Letter: Changing countryside
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This country-dweller is sick of having his views "represented" by others. First it was the hunting lobby. Now I see that the Country Landowners Association and the National Farmers Union are claiming to speak for me ("When the wrath of the country people will be set ablaze", 7 February).
I love the landscape and the villages in my part of England. I like to walk in the woods and experience the passing of the seasons. I do not complain about the noise of tractors nor the smell of slurry. At the same time, I enjoy rock concerts and the cinema and the theatre. I travel to watch Premier League football. I vote Labour. I can't remember the last time I tugged my forelock. And I am realistic enough to recognise that, if it is to thrive, the countryside has to change.
A majority of country people oppose hunting with hounds. Quite apart from the obvious, the hunt is a nuisance and an inconvenience to those of us who live here. My guess is that a majority also want to see the "right-to-roam" enshrined in law - a manifesto commitment on which the Government seems to be planning to renege.
DAVID WILKINS
Berwick St Leonard, Wiltshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments