[maccyd82]

And for my last point.... phew in on a role tonight!

Nightshade - You surely agre that everyone has a right to join thier local group be it grass roots member or career person? I certainly dont believe people trample on grass roots members, everyone is there because they are enthusiastic about the subject. Surely the fact that someone spends all week doing ecological work and then gives up their weekend to come along to thier local bat group or whatever shows not only their enthusiasm, but also their wish to improve their knowledge to be able to do a good job - in the interests of ecology, not business or developers or clients.

Ive been along to my local bat group and was made to feel rather unwelcome because im a consultant and young, and I know other people who have had similar experiences. If the grass roots members werent so bl**dy precious about their little club then perhaps they wouldnt feel as if they were being trampled on? Yes theyre consultants theyre obviously only in it for thier own career gain, surely thats not true or am i just being naive? Either way its sadly its the way a lot of grass roots members think, and its stopped me from bothering from going, and making contribution to bat conservation - which is surely what its all about?

Here the rant ends, although id like to know what other people think!