OF all the letters I have read regarding wild boar, the letter signed 'Hogwatch' is surely the most ill-informed I have ever read. Most I now simply ignore.

I speak with considerable knowledge of the boar, having been involved with them ever since their release several years ago. I now keep four orphan boar at my animal sanctuary. They live happily alongside  llamas, goats, horses, sheep and, of course, my five dogs.

Unlike the writer I make no effort to hide my identity, I am Alastair Fraser and my core business is llama trekking and horse carriage driving in the Forest of Dean. The llamas and horses are always accompanied by  three dogs, a collie, spaniel, and Italian spinone. The dogs are very well behaved and although running free return immediately when called. Our other two dogs are left alone as they were rescued from the Forest and we do not think it advisable to let them off in an area in which they used to roam. Fern and Bramble lived wild for several months after being abandoned and it was only when Fern was involved in an RTA and was severely injured that they were rescued.  Now, three years, later they are part of our family, although Bramble is now unfortunately almost completely blind.

I invite 'Hogwatch' to contact me and possibly visit our boar. When I see comments so unpredict­able, and allegedly short-sighted I realise that I am dealing with someone who knows very little about wild boar. Most people are surprised when I tell them that I am not against the Forestry cull. I do however support a close season and abhor the widespread poaching that is going on. I am not a vegetarian, but my boar will have a home for the rest of their days. We will of course give homes to any young orphans not able to exist on their own.

I have lived in the Forest area for many years and well remember similar letters about deer jumping into gardens and wanting all deer to be exterminated.

– Alastair Fraser.