Tim Bonner: Stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share

The full extent of the impact that the Covid-19 virus is going to have on our lives is only just starting to become clear, and there remain many more unknowns than knowns. One thing is certain, however, that despite the response to the virus requiring us to distance ourselves physically from one another, it is where communities are closest that its impact can be mitigated the most.

Already community groups and local businesses are responding to the needs of the many people in rural areas who have followed the government's advice to self-isolate on the basis of age or an underlying health problem. Food, medication and contact, even if by phone or social media, are going to be the fundamental necessities for many over the coming months. In some ways those of us living in the countryside are lucky to have the sort of close communities, both geographic but also built around activities like farming, shooting and hunting, that will ensure people are not forgotten. And how lucky we are to be able to see sky and countryside even if we have to distance ourselves from friends and neighbours. Loneliness and isolation is, however, already a problem across the countryside and without the regular rituals of markets, shows, matches and fairs it will be a very long and lonely summer for many. We must, and I am sure will, all take responsibility for connecting in whatever way we can with those who face a long period of isolation.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the most serious crisis to face this country for two generations the group Wild Justice yesterday launched a Judicial Review challenging General Licences issued by Natural Resources Wales for the control of some birds to protect livestock, conservation and crops. To enable them to do so, they are asking people to give generously to help raise the £42,500 they need to mount their challenge. Even by the standards of the animal rights movement the timing of this legal action is extraordinary. Now, as we face previously unimaginable restrictions on our lives and the death of thousands of our citizens, Wild Justice wants to have a legal argument over the terms on which a Welsh farmer can shoot a crow or a pigeon.

It is tempting to get angry about such an enormous lack of perspective and even basic human decency, but we should not allow ourselves to lash out as such extremists thrive on just that reaction. Instead we should apply the 'normal person' test, which is an infallible indicator of right and wrong. Ask yourself if you were sitting in a pub (when the virus has passed obviously) and someone put this to you as a good idea would you think they were a normal person? In relation to Wild Justice's actions this week, as with nearly every tactic in the animal rights playbook, the answer would most definitely be no. These are not normal people, nor are their motives or convictions right. Rather than be angry we should be sorry for them that they care so little for people or community as we go about the work of trying to protect ours.