Different Strokes

Mid-ride breather in Meiklerig Wood, East Lothian. Friend Mark and I went from West Barns - Knowes - Meiklerig - Presmennan and back home via Stenton and Biel. A lovely day, mild and muddy with a fair bit of snow in places.

As we climbed the field to Meiklerig, we could hear the shooters and met them at the edge of the wood. I asked if it would be OK to continue, and they were very pleasant despite the fact that we'd clearly spoiled their fun (fun, fun). It wasn't rabbits on the run (run, run) though, it was birds. Now, I'm not one for shooting wildlife, but if it wasn't for the field-sports we'd be without a lot of the countryside I enjoy so much. The birds shot are mostly pigeon, pheasant and partridge which are either plentiful or bred to be shot. So, different strokes for different folks - pedals for us, shotguns for them and all enjoying the outdoors.

If there's a side to shooting I'd prefer didn't happen it's "wildfowling" which involves shooting wild migratory birds in places which benefit little or not at all from income from these "sportsmen". It's strange for me to read about the places and wildlife I love from the perspective of wildfowlers, for example on the East of Scotland Association for Wildfowling and Conservation website. Apparently "Tyninghame Bay ... is a fruitful area for wildfowlers who take the time to understand its moods." Uh-huh. It's also a "one of our most important habitats" for birdlife as described by the Scottish Ornithologist's Club.

These tensions will always exist I suppose.

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