Jersey Conservation Trust Accused of Supporting Hunting
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, based in Jersey, has faced criticism from one of its members over accusations of “enabling hunting.”
Paul Masterton, a member and former chief executive of the trust, argued that the organization had “strayed far from its roots and values.” His remarks came after the trust launched a rewilding project on the Dalnacardoch Estate in Perthshire, Scotland, which permits deer stalking on the property.
Matthew Hatchwell, chairman of the board of trustees, defended the trust’s stance, stating that they were taking a “pragmatic view” on the issue.
Mr. Masterton voiced his concerns about the practice, saying:
“My immediate concern is that Durrell is enabling hunting to continue on this estate they are now leasing. This is not about necessary culling for wildlife management, which, though difficult, can sometimes be essential. This is about trophy hunting and blood sport, where individuals pay fees to stalk and kill animals. I fail to see how this aligns with Durrell’s values.”
Masterton, who stepped down as the trust’s chief executive in 2012, recently ran for election to the board of trustees but was not elected in October.
Addressing the criticism, Mr. Hatchwell emphasised the cultural context of deer stalking in Scotland, stating:
“Deer stalking is part of the Scottish culture. Rather than imposing a conservation-only perspective and ending the practice outright, we are adopting a pragmatic approach. For the future, changes may be made, but we are not at that stage yet.”