I was totally shocked to hear that the Forestry Commission are about to cull 100 boar.

After the six-month reprieve to review numbers, I did expect them to grant another year at least to the Forest boar to recover from the shootings of the last few years.

My opinion is, based on cull and carcass figures, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, that there are about 220 boar, allowing for high natural wastage, after the breeding season.

Since the new target figure is 400 allowed, instead of 90, it seems reasonable not to cull.

The Forestry Commission's inflated number of 600 is a fantasy, particularly in view of the dismal failure of their winter count. It is simply an excuse to kill.

This figure is not shared by any naturalist or wildlife photographer I know. The Forestry Commission has revealed itself in its true light – a dictatorship in a democracy. It does not listen to reasoned argument and I do know, from those who were on the side of the boar at the working party meeting on culling, that they were not listened to.

We now also face an onslaught on badgers and, as most people know, the Forestry Commission slaughter squirrels and foxes on sight as well as deer. We live in a very beautiful area but it is one in which a war on wildlife is being waged. Our persecuted boar need to be left alone.

– Joyce Moss, Lydney.