Hey – there was a cheery piece on small scale rewilding that mentioned Godney Marshes in the iNews recently. Perhaps I am being too sensitive, but there are a few things I would like to mention, as I’m worried the way it is written makes my neighbours sound worse and me sound better.
- I am not sure I would describe my neighbours’ land as high-intensity farmland, although I suppose that’s a subjective term. Its mainly hay meadows, silage and grazing land, with bit of maize here and there. Also quite a lot of verges and nature reserves. Some of them are organic and wildlife friendly. They don’t seem like bad guys.
- I don’t know how much fertiliser was used on the fields before I got them, or my neighbours’. I suspect not too much. I can’t speak for the rest of the area though, and the journalist may have other sources (he’s also a good guy and he spoke to lots of people).
- Its true that marsh harrier and hares and egrets have been using my fields, which is very exciting. Although obviously I did not bring them back – they were already in the area, and I’ve just offered them a new little space to hang out.
- I’ve only had my land for a couple of years, and while it is changing, its happening slowly.
Godney Marshes 