ABOUT 200 years ago someone released six grey squirrels, they are now common all over mainland Britain except the Scottish Highlands.

Deer from foreign countries were imported for deer parks and escaped and are now common all over the Midlands.

Animal activists released high numbers of mink in raids on fur farms, they are now common.

All these animals are regarded as pests. Releasing animals into the wild with no natural predators is never wise.

The Dean boar have established themselves and are on the increase, enlarging their territory. How long will it be before they start searching rubbish bins in Forest towns for food like urban foxes?

At least they're native but they have spread beyond control.

How long will it be before the boar cross the Wye and colonise Chepstow Park and Wentwood? Will they invade Gloucester?

If people who live around the Forest want boar roaming they should keep them under control and stop them spreading to other areas where people may not want them.

– A Pritchett, Chepstow.