BY now everyone will have seen the reports on the countryside march that took place in London at the weekend 400,000 country people marched on London to show their disgust at the way this Government has let down the countryside.

What irks me is the fact that so many people think it was just a march to protect foxhunting. It wasn't.

Why did thousands of farmers, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, post office workers, thatchers, hurdle makers, gamekeepers and fishermen give up valuable time and great expense to go to London? Because the future of the countryside is in danger of being eroded.

The march was for 'liberty and livelihood' and the majority of the aforementioned are close to losing their jobs, their homes and livelihoods because of Blair and his henchmen have no idea what country life is about or how to manage it.

British farming is at its lowest point. I saw several placards stating 'British farming, proud to deliver food to the community'. They should have added 'but we are going bust' because they are, and so are all rural amenities.

Recent figures have shown that three out of five village post offices have closed, and most village shops have gone.

This march was about the right of the countryman to do what he has done for centuries 'preserve the countryside, manage it, harvest it'.

So, all of the town dwellers who think they can manage the countryside better than those who live in it, conserve it, preserve it, harvest it, why not come along and work with a farmer, or a shepherd, or a gamekeeper?

You will have to get up at 5am and you will probably not get to bed until midnight, working about 15 or 16 hours for minimal pay.

That is the sort of people who conserve the countryside. That is why we marched. That is why well-meaning, but totally ignorant, people from the towns tell us how to run the countryside.

We live in it, we harvest it, we conserve it and we will preserve it, so that you in the towns and cities can appreciate it.

J CURTIS

Kingsley Avenue

Wootton Bassett