Goosestep guard keeps watch in Christmas forest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Romans employed them to save the city from marauding Gauls. Now British Christmas tree growers want cackling geese to combat tree-rustlers.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association warned yesterday that thieves could use next week's full moon for lightning raids on plantations. Large-scale pilfering could push small growers into bankruptcy.
"A full moon makes it much easier for thieves. If it's dark, it's obviously more difficult to pick up the trees," said Tony Richardson, the association's secretary. "There isn't a dark night until 10 December after which we'll be fairly safe.
"Losses are very important to the small grower. Those who only have two or three thousand trees and get 200 or so pinched can be pushed to the edge."
One of the best means of protection is geese. Geoffrey Field of East Sussex, a grower for more than 20 years, employs eight geese to watch his two acres of trees. "They are a great deterrent," said Mr Field. "A lot of people are terrified of geese, particularly if they have been chased by one as a child. They find them very nasty."
In Wales, Dyfed-Powys police have urged residents to be on the look out for thieves. Some 2,000 farmers in a network of "Farm Watch" schemes are being asked to report suspicious vehicles. "We need to take more care than usual," added Mr Richardson, a retired general. "The problem with Christmas trees is when they have been pinched it is jolly difficult to identify them as yours."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments