ACTION NEEDED: Do you read National Geographic magazine?

The Countryside Alliance has learned that the latest issue of National Geographic magazine is being guest-edited by BBC presenter and prominent animal rights activist Chris Packham. We know many of our members, who Chris Packham has repeatedly attacked, buy or subscribe to this magazine and will want to make their voices heard.

The National Geographic is a widely-respected magazine, which is why many of our members choose to read it. That is why we were surprised when our friends at the Into the Wilderness Podcast spotted that the most recent edition is being guest edited by Chris Packham. The Alliance will be writing to the editor to make sure they are aware of Chris Packham's recent history of strident campaigning against game shooters, hunters, farmers and anyone else who disagrees with him, during which he has called the rural community "thugs", "liars", "frauds" and "psychopaths". We do not object to Packham being asked to guest edit the National Geographic, but we would hope that in the interests of fairness and balance such an august title will consider a future issue guest-edited by a friend of rural Britain.

We are also asking that our members and supporters who subscribe, buy or simply enjoy the National Geographic contact the magazine to make sure this decision does not pass without comment. It is important that we make sure the rural voice is heard.