Wildlife organisation accused of enabling hunting

Paul Masterton said Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust travelled far from its roots

A conservation trust based in Jersey has been accused of "enabling hunting" by one of its members.

Paul Masterton, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust member, said the trust had "travelled so far from its roots and its values".

It comes after it began a rewilding project on Dalnacardoch Estate in Perthshire, Scotland, while allowing deer stalking.

Matthew Hatchwell, the chairman of the board of trustees, said the charity was taking a "pragmatic view" on stalking at the estate.

Mr Hatchwell said deer stalking was part of Scottish culture

Mr Masterton said he and other members could not understand Durrell's stance on the practice.

He said: "My immediate concern is that Durrell is enabling hunting to continue on this estate they are now leasing.

"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 Masterson was formerly chief executive of Durrell before stepping down from the role in 2012.

He then ran for election to the board of trustees in October but failed to be elected.

Mr Hatchwell said: "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.

"For the future that may be the plan, but we're not at that stage yet."