STAR LETTER: Call of the wild

Wolves could be making a comeback in Britain. The last one was variously reported to have been killed in Killecrankie in 1680, or near the river Findhorn in 1743. However, as if we have been missing them, a scheme has been approved to create a home for wolves in a safari park near Inverness and enthusiasts want to release a number into the wild. Given the history of supposedly captive species escaping – Iron Age pigs from Glen Dessarry and mink from Appin - the chances are they’ll get out anyway. I’m no ecological expert, but I expect the wolves will have a fine time eating deer and sheep. This will open a new dimension to winter mountaineering. Imagine sitting round the bothy fire on a snowy night waiting for companions to arrive – or not – with howls resounding around the hills. Fangs for the memory! Will the BMC participation statement cover this risk under ‘danger of personal injury or death’? And why stop at wolves? Why not bring back the bears? Does the BMC have a position on this? Should we welcome the wild becoming a little wilder, and greater ecological diversity? Or should we be concerned over the potential loss of members?
Geoff Nichols, Summit 49

China crisis

It was with dismay that I learnt that the BMC chose not to make any expression of concern to the UIAA about the shooting of the Tibetan nun in September 2006, as investigated by Ed Douglas in Summit 44. I initially raised the matter at my February area meeting, where it was thought that the BMC should complain to the appropriate authorities - the UIAA. I also introduced the item at the AGM Open Forum, only to be met with a stunned silence. Yet in 1992 the BMC, along with the Chinese Mountaineering Federation, signed the UIAA Kathmandu Declaration. This is nine separate statements of ethical objectives, including “respect for cultural heritage”. At the Open Forum it was quite apparent that quite a few, both on the top table and on the floor, were quite unaware of the Declaration. But thanks to the efforts of my area rep, National Council did discuss the matter in April, and decided to seek some information from Amnesty International – although why it was necessary to approach them is beyond me, the Ed Douglas article was comprehensive enough. In September the Council discussed the matter once more, and again decided to “re-approach Amnesty for an update”. Amnesty replied on November 5th, too late to raise the matter at the October Assembly of the UIAA. I was not seeking to start WW3, merely an expression to the Assembly of concern, yet it seems to me that putting your signature to an international document counts for nothing in the BMC. In his article Ed Douglas asked the question “do mountaineers care?” The answer is obvious.
K.C. Gordon, Summit 49

Exotic disappointment

I read the Dave Pickford’s article in Summit 48 with great interest. It occurred to me that as access to increasingly remote locations becomes easier, that some sort of 'cautionary tale' database could save an awful lot of disappointment and wasted air miles. I’ve just returned from an extremely unsuccessful climbing trip to Palawan Island in the Philippines. But on a more positive note, I can definitely recommend the island of Soqotra and the northern highlands of Ethiopia.
David Bruton, Summit 49

Trial and error?

In Out There, Summit 48, it seems rather hypocritical to label all trail riders as “ripping up the countryside near you” and to suggest that they’ll drag your naked body behind their bikes if you dare take down their numbers. As a trail rider for many years (and a climber for almost as many), it seems a bit off to suggest that all trail riders don't respect the countryside, when in fact the Trail Riding Fellowship do a huge amount to keep public rights of way open. By all means let’s stop the law breakers, but don't criminalise the law-abiding folk who are enjoying the countryside in their own perfectly legal way. And anyway, if they've got a number plate they're almost certainly taxed, insured and MOT-ed.
Sam King, Summit 49

A happy reader

Issue 48, what a corker! Once again setting the standard for outdoor magazines. After being completely inspired by the front cover shot I went on to devour the contents, which I found to be equally as good and nicely varied. I would particularly like to congratulate Andi Turner on his piece The Magic Flute, the best sport climbing essay I've ever read? Certainly up there. I found myself hanging from tufas one minute, and getting ready for a bar brawl the next. Thanks for brightening up November!
Jack Geldard, Summit 49

And a happy customer

I’ve just renewed my annual insurance policy and am delighted at the price. As a result of your raising the age at which extra premiums are payable, and by buying online, I have saved £100 on my estimate. Great service - congratulations.
Roger Garrett, Summit 49