IN reply to Giles Bradshaw's letter of October 9, There are two sides to hunting debate, I simply wish to point out that, as a professional person, I would consider indoctrinating any pupil of mine with my own feelings about such matters as the killing of wild animals for 'sport' totally unhealthy and misguided.

However, I do passionately intend to continue the encouragement of children's genuine fascination and empathy with the natural world.

I truly believe that education opens minds to debate and question — and so it should be.

I should not be self-righteous enough to believe that everyone should feel the same as I do, but having witnessed, on many occasions, the sheer pleasure that comes to some people from bringing an animal to its knees, often with cruel and barbaric behaviour, I do have a very strong revulsion for those who perpetrate such acts. I do have that private, personal right.

The environmental work that I share with children is fulfilling for all of us. We all observe and learn together. We all enjoy the process together.

My personal opinions are mine alone.

Children will develop in their own ways and in their own time, influenced by many. I hope that our work will, at least, bring a little empathy as well as understanding into their lives.

As teachers that's what we try to do — help to develop consideration of others, and other species, into children's lives. What they go on to do and think is then very much up to them.

Your facts and figures do not mention the sheer pleasure of killing for enjoyment. You know as well as I do that this is a huge part of the hunter's reason for killing — it's a day out, something to do with a spare afternoon. This is what I feel so incomprehensible.

I wonder how many feel committed to the environmental ticket that you are so keen to quote.

There are many whose job it is to manage those animals who, as you rightly state, have no natural animal predators. So why not leave the job of control to those who know how to do it properly.

Joan Adams

Tedburn St Mary