The boar's ferocity is legendary, although to
some extent they have been given unfair press - they are nocturnal and
generally wary of human contact. The two main threats are from rutting
males and defensive mothers. However, they are reported to give a warning
snort before charging, giving you the chance to run up the nearest tree!
Since they were once native to this country, wild boar
form a natural part of woodland ecology. They use their powerful snouts to
turn the soil over looking for food, which improves soil fertility and
plant diversity. However, in large numbers they can become a threat to
bluebell woodlands due to their fondness for the bulbs.
Farmers, of course have their own arguments against the
boar as they can inflict significant crop damage. More recently, there
have been fears (as yet unproven) that the boar may pass swine fever on to
domestic pigs.
There is no legislation relating to wild boar in the
countryside: they could be regarded either as a native species with a
biodiversity value, or as an invasive pest. Currently, the Ministry of
Agriculture Fisheries & Food (MAFF) has recommended an impact
assessment and other research to guide management procedures. Recent
studies have shown that boar numbers are increasing very rapidly, so it
looks likely that managed control is going to be essential.
In the Ashford and Canterbury area, boar are more
numerous in the forested areas south of Ashford, but you are still very
unlikely to see them. Perhaps future ecotourism ventures will enable
viewing of the animals with an expert guide. This would certainly give
people a unique insight into the lives of these fascinating animals.
Sue Kynaston
