I was very unpleasantly surprised by the letter on wild boar last week from Alistair Fraser, the ex-councillor. Though it is entirely up to Mr Fraser to stay or leave any organisation that he joins, I do not think my presence had anything to do with his leaving Friends of the Boar. He says my views are extreme and confrontational. This I strongly dispute.

I am a retired history teacher, who has taught in both the private and public sectors. I have written several articles and a book on historical matters, ranging in subject from my Washington ancestors through the Old Brewery in Cirencester to the precinct of Bristol Cathedral. All have been published.

I am publicity officer for our local History Society. History is what I enjoy doing.

However, I have a passion for animal welfare and this includes our wildlife. I am a member of Viva!, the Bristol-based organisation for farmed animals, of which Mr Fraser is intensely suspicious, and Animals Asia. I am a school speaker for Animal Aid and give talks on the ethics of animal rights and the treatment of farmed animals all over Gloucestershire and Gwent. These are all mainstream animal organisations.

I am no longer in Friends of the Boar. I have joined the UK Wild Boar Trust, which is a broad, tolerant group, caring for our boar, but also concerned to protect all wildlife in the Forest. I also support GABS against the shooting of our badgers.

We are aware of the problems boar can cause, with their digging activities, but we believe that they have every right to be in the Forest and we are in communication with the Forestry Commission to discuss their future.

I do not intend to be involved in a turf war with Mr. Fraser or anyone else in the press and do not wish to see my name bandied around in this way in his letters again. My main concern is the boar. Please look at our website http://www.UKWildBoarTrust.org">www.UKWildBoarTrust.org to find out more.

– Joyce Moss, Lydney.