Allies not Foes?

[tufftie]

There are so many of us going over the same old ground albeit squirrels, hunting, badgers, raptors, cats etc etc... The thing is we all have the animal/wildlife/conservation etc wellbeing at heart..therefore..instead of the everlasing circle of debates...why can't we join forces to get the best for wildlife (a compromise). It would be hard for both parties but surely this is where a site like this could really come into its own for the good of wildlife but it would mean hard work emotionally for both sides but if we genuinely had wildlife etc at the heart of our passion then surely only good could come of this?

[2dogs2000]

I agree with you. Some of these debates are so repetitive and get us nowhere. Sometimes we should just bite our tongue (not literally).

[fairplay]

Try talking to a dog and asking it to disturb less wildlife, defecate less, etc, try talking to a cat and ask it to kill less birds.
Then try talking to the owners - no chance.

Neil.

[Jez]

Don't know if I ever told you how Himalayan balsam saved my life and without it's presence I wouldn't be alive today, but would be an archeological preserved body of interest (maybe some members would still like in which case to rip this plant more so after what I'm about to say)? I was a young lad about 7 years young living in Droitwich On Spa at the time and upon my visit to the park near St.Peters Church me and a few friends went walking on the outskirts and we past a spring carried on walking and soon started to sink I put my feet in the wrong place and sank quite far, right up to my neck in native bog soil, the balsam was all I could reach to hold me up from going further down, once held securely by these non natives my companions managed to reach out and struggled to pull me up as they sank a little more on the boundries with every heave. I owe my life to them also but not seen them in many a year. Anyway as much as I encourage planting native plants as i see them the most charming of plants I cannot forget how the Himalayans where there when The Thunderbirds were not! I know it's such a tuff one to compromise as for me life is a fortune to behold.

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

I agree with you. Some of these debates are so repetitive and get us nowhere. Sometimes we should just bite our tongue (not literally).

Thanks 2dogs and Jez...fairplay - that's is hardly going to help!

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by tufftie

Thanks 2dogs and Jez...fairplay - that's is hardly going to help!

It depends upon who you are - if one is an irresponsible cat or dog owner or someone who hates sparrowhawks, yet still claim to love British wildlife then no, what I said doesn't help them at all.

A true wildlife lover cannot take the risk of compromise, as ALL BRITISH WILDLIFE is precious and as such, we must endeavour to save all we can by constantly driving home the message to those that do not want to listen.

Neil.

[AshLee]

Instead of posting inflammatory threads which only add extra fuel to the more passionate arguments, I tend to get out there and physically do something for the wildlife around me. Preaching to those who already believe is a waste of time, in my opinion. And preaching in any form seldom works.

On the other hand, there was a thread recently where someone pointed out the positive aspect of having "annoying brats" in hides on nature reserves. I never thought of being more tolerant of them, letting them use my binoculars, or whatever. Demonstrations of kindness and helpfulness out in the real world will have more impact when trying to "win hearts and minds".

I tend to speak my mind and if I have caused any offense, I'm sure it was unintentional.

[Monkey Orchid]

Originally Posted by AshLee

Preaching to those who already believe is a waste of time, in my opinion. And preaching in any form seldom works.

Demonstrations of kindness and helpfulness out in the real world will have more impact when trying to "win hearts and minds".

I've worked and volunteered in wildlife conservation for over twenty years, and also been involved in direct action campaigns e.g. trying to stop road building. In my experience when people feel passionately about something they are unlikely to change their mindset or behaviour if you tackle them head on, no matter how persuasive or scientifically sound your counter-arguments might be.

When educating young people and adults about the environment and conservation issues, I try to take as one of my principles: start with where people are at, rather than where you want them to be. Establish some common ground or a point of contact, however marginal. Then it's possible to work towards mutual respect, and hopefully cooperation around whatever wildlife issue is dear to your heart. Like AshLee, I've seen more potential 'poachers' turned into 'gamekeepers' (to use one analogy!) by simple human interaction and sharing of enthusiasm. And I've yet to see one person lured away from 'the dark side' by means of having their arguments or beliefs criticised or dismissed.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't have respectful debates and discussions, I think they're important because often they give people a chance to share their thinking. It's just when they turn into 'I'm right and you're wrong and here's the evidence I found on the Internet to prove it' they seem to generate more heat than light, and upset people... Which is not productive for anyone. (Except for those few sad individuals who seem to get off on being provocative...)

[tufftie]

It was meant to be a positive thread, I was in no way having a go at anybody but trying to start something good for wildlife and animals

[thebeard]

its really what forums are for in my opinion. if we get some debates going, even when it gets a little heated, then i think its a great way of learning things, as well as getting a range of peoples opinions. its good to get two sides of the argument as it allows you to evaluate the situation and learn from it.