Conservation Trust Accused of Facilitating Hunting Activities

A conservation trust based in Jersey has been accused by one of its members of “enabling hunting.” Paul Masterton, a member of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, asserted that the trust had “travelled so far from its roots and its values.” This accusation emerged after the organization initiated a rewilding project on the Dalnacardoch Estate in Perthshire, Scotland, while permitting deer stalking. Matthew Hatchwell, the chairman of the board of trustees, stated that the charity was adopting a “pragmatic view” regarding stalking on the estate. Mr. Masterton indicated that he and other members found Durrell’s position on the practice incomprehensible. He elaborated: “My immediate concern is that Durrell is enabling hunting to continue on this estate they are now leasing.” He clarified, “I’m not talking about culling, which is a sometimes sad but very necessary tool for wildlife management. I’m talking about trophy hunting and blood sport where people pay a licence fee where they stalk and kill animals. “I just don’t understand how that can be part of Durrell and fit with their values.”” Mr. Masterton previously held the position of chief executive at Durrell, stepping down from the role in 2012. He subsequently sought election to the board of trustees in October but was not elected. Mr. Hatchwell commented: “Deer stalking is part of the Scottish culture, so, rather than just going in as a conservation organisation and saying no more stalking, we’re taking a very pragmatic view.” He added, “For the future that may be the plan, but we’re not at that stage yet.”