EGGESFORD HUNT TERRIERMEN SEWARD FOLLAND AND NATHAN BOWES CAUGHT INTERFERING WITH BADGER SETTS IN CHULMLEIGH

In a serious incident that has drawn attention to hunting practices in Devon, two members of the Eggesford Hunt, Seward Folland and Nathan Bowes, were caught on camera engaging in activities that interfered with badger setts at Chulmleigh in November 2019. The footage, captured by hunt saboteurs, clearly showed the two men attempting to block the entrances to the badger burrows using earth, debris, and nets, as part of their effort to flush out a fox. This act of interference has raised significant concerns about the methods employed by hunting groups and the treatment of wildlife during such hunts.

Seventy-five-year-old Seward Folland, born around 1946 and residing at Twenty Acres, Puddington, Tiverton EX16 9PE, along with Nathan Bowes, born circa 1995 and based at the Bothy Kennels on Station Road, Brixworth, Northampton NN6 9BP, were both present at the scene. The incident was scrutinized in court, where Bowes faced charges for two separate offences, resulting in a fine of £940. Folland was fined a total of £732 for a single offence. Despite their claims that the setts were inactive at the time, Deputy District Judge Roderick Hine determined that the setts were indeed in use, contradicting their assertions.

During the court proceedings, Bowes, who was identified as a kennel man, explained that his purpose was to 'humanely dispatch' a fox that had gone to ground. Meanwhile, Folland, with an extensive 45-year background in hunting, stated that Bowes had laid nets to 'bolt the fox in the net to be humanely destroyed.' The judge emphasized that their convictions were based on 'recklessness rather than deliberate interference,' highlighting that both men failed to conduct proper inspections of the setts, which they hurriedly attempted to destroy in their rush to remove the fox.

Prosecutor Greg Gordon detailed that four hunt monitors had been observing the Eggesford Hunt when they captured footage of Folland and Bowes in the woodland area. The footage clearly depicted the two men actively trying to flush out a fox by blocking the entrances to the badger setts with earth, debris, and nets, actions that are considered illegal and harmful to wildlife. The court's findings underscore the seriousness of such interference and the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Alex West, representing the defense, acknowledged that Folland had made a mistake but emphasized his long-standing experience in hunting. He also pointed out that the conviction of Bowes could have significant implications, as he continues to work within the hunting sector. The case has sparked ongoing debates about hunting practices and animal welfare in the region, with many calling for increased regulation and oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.