Dovecotes

[1 pot hunter]

The numbers are going down - hence the amber status. I appreciate that in some localities numbers may be on the rise but that isn't so nationally (according to the published figures anyway). We certainly have more around here than we used to, and we are nowhere near any arable crop area.

However, compare the 5 million pairs of pigeon to the 57 million game birds released on to farmland every year that do a great deal of environmental damage.

I think gamebirds cause a lot damage aswell.

 

[TLM]

to the 57 million game birds released on to farmland every year

now that is a lot. Haven't done much hunting in the last few years but wouldn't it be easier just to kill them neatly instead of being shot by dubious ability.

 

[1 pot hunter]

now that is a lot. Haven't done much hunting in the last few years but wouldn't it be easier just to kill them neatly instead of being shot by dubious ability.

Wild game should be flying away from you not at you like on driven shoots it’s a joke lol.

 

[Toddy]

We're not supposed to discuss politics, but the reality that the 'sporting' industry, because that's really what it its, dominates farming and other land usages in this country is ridiculous.

 

[Toddy]

There’s nothing we can do to stop nature eat them then u will like them lol

Eh, no. good vegetarian here.
My husband likes them though, when prepped properly, no bones, skin, shot, etc.,

 

[Tengu]

There are lots of woodpigeons round here.

I have difficulty in believing they are declining.

 

[1 pot hunter]

There are lots of woodpigeons round here.

I have difficulty in believing they are declining.

Iff u shoot any you can post them to my adress aha

 

[1 pot hunter]

Eh, no. good vegetarian here.
My husband likes them though, when prepped properly, no bones, skin, shot, etc.,

On subject off vegetable munch I found a handful off wood blewits today

 

[1 pot hunter]

Eh, no. good vegetarian here.
My husband likes them though, when prepped properly, no bones, skin, shot, etc.,

I’m happy to trade trout for pigeons lol

 

[Toddy]

....I'm allergic to fish

Seriously, you obviously don't want my diet

I know this though, farming works. Agricultural and pastoral communites survive better than hunter gatherer ones. The population explosion is a very clear illustration of that.

At a fundamental level, well worked fully integrated smallholdings provide well for their residents. They work for their food though, but they have food, they have healthy variety, and they have enough to rear children, feed the elderly, and a bit left over for barter among like minded folks.

That's not meant as a put down for any of the hunters, etc., it's good food. It's just not food for me.

I forage all year long, I look forward to, and thoroughly enjoy the sheer variety in season of what we can find. Going walkabout with someone who knows what they're looking at and for, and who knows their patch, is a brilliant excuse for a day out.
Even restricted as I am just now with RA, I still forage and gather nearby, and when it's something worth having I happily make sure it grows in my garden.

 

[1 pot hunter]

....I'm allergic to fish

Seriously, you obviously don't want my diet

I know this though, farming works. Agricultural and pastoral communites survive better than hunter gatherer ones. The population explosion is a very clear illustration of that.

At a fundamental level, well worked fully integrated smallholdings provide well for their residents. They work for their food though, but they have food, they have healthy variety, and they have enough to rear children, feed the elderly, and a bit left over for barter among like minded folks.

That's not meant as a put down for any of the hunters, etc., it's good food. It's just not food for me.

I forage all year long, I look forward to, and thoroughly enjoy the sheer variety in season of what we can find. Going walkabout with someone who knows what they're looking at and for, and who knows their patch, is a brilliant excuse for a day out.
Even restricted as I am just now with RA, I still forage and gather nearby, and when it's something worth having I happily make sure it grows in my garden.

What do u farm? I was on a allotment waiting list for over 2yrs but the moved out the area iff I stayed might got a patch.

 

[Toddy]

There's the rub; acquiring land.
Guerilla gardening makes use of patches that otherwise would be overlooked.
You can grow a lot of veg in containers....spuds crop well in them, so do most root veg.
Grain needs sun though, but it's do-able.

If you look at the amount of work that folks like BR put into their gardens though.

I think in our overcrowded islands it's always going to be an issue.
I know of a commune up the valley that was set up with great intentions of being self sufficient, but to quote one past resident, it was like herding cats trying to get hippies organised enough to plough, plant and harvest when it came to anything that needed persistent work. Great on the ideas, but poor in application and diligence.
Shame really because the land is still there, just not being properly used.

M