Forest of Dean wild boar cull is given go ahead

Wild boar in the Forest of Dean are to be culled amid concerns that the creatures have been damaging ancient woodland.

Forestry Commission rangers estimate that there are as many as 150 animals in the area.

The Commission, along with the Forest's district council and the Verderers' Court, have agreed to a cull to reduce the total to 100.

In January 2008, an aggressive boar had to be shot at Ruardean Primary School.

Boars also damaged a football pitch at Ruspidge last year while a number of gardeners have complained of damage.

Specially trained marksmen will carry out the cull, but feeding sows will be spared.

Boars have roamed wild in the the Forest since 2004, when they reintroduced after a 700-year absence.

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