downsmail.co.uk
News Signs ofwild boar in thewoods?
THERE is growing evidence of a settling wild boar population in the woods and farmland around this part of Kent. The animals – persecuted to ex-
tinction hundreds of years ago – have started to leave some tell-tale signs in woodland and arable pas- ture. Boar – a close relative of the pig –
have been disturbing the ground in search of worms, grubs and insects whichmake upmuch of its diet. They are present in some num-
bers in East Sussex and one local wildlife expert says that a small number may be roaming the coun- tryside. Tree surgeon and naturalist Theo
McCausland, of Langley, said: “I haven’t met anyone yet who has seen one, but I do hear of the evi- dence being found. “The disruption to earth when
they have been around in numbers is quite un- mistakable. My guess is
that there are a few roaming over quite large territories aroundMaid- stone,WestMalling and up towards Medway.
“Down in Gloucestershire, they
have reached large numbers. They have virtually no natural predators and can cause some problems to people’s properties.” Phil Brown, who runs the
Egerton-based Badger Bushcraft wildlife educationworkshops, said: “I know of people who swear they have seen them or their tracks, but
Wild boar are roaming the countryside, but Phil Brown is uncertain if they are breed- ing in this area
the prints sometimes turn out to be roe deer. “So there is a bit ofmisidentifica-
tion going on. I also knowof people who hunt themin thewild, but not aroundMaidstone.” It is thought the wild boar now
roaming parts of rural southern England are the result of escapes fromcommercial farms. TheWild Boar In Britain website
states: “After an absence of approx- imately 700 years, wild boar are roaming and breeding in the British countryside once again! “For such a large mammal to be-
come accidentally reintroduced into Britain in this day and age is a re- markable event that is fascinating to follow.” The group says the mild climate
should ensure the boar’s survival in the longer term, despite pressures on habitat.
Coldplay tribute at Hazlitt Pair arrested on drugs suspicion
THE Hazlitt Theatre in Earl Street, Maidstone,will host leading Cold- play tribute bandColdplace as part of a UK-wide tour. Lasers, confetti, Coldplay an-
thems and a remarkable resem- blance to the real thing are prom- ised in the Maidstone stage show on Saturday, March 17. Tickets start at £20. Call 01622 758611
Homes & Gardens
A TWO people have been arrested in Maidstone on suspicion of per- mitting premises to be used for the supply of class A drugs. A 53-year- old man and a 43-year-old woman
were arrested at 1pmon Friday Jan- uary 19. Two mobile phones were seized by officers as part of the in- vestigation. They were released under investigation.
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