Your letters: Wildlife, Europe and Strictly, plus a royal visit from the archive
Readers share memories of river dredging, debate our relationship with wildlife and Europe, and give their verdict on Strictly Come Dancing...
What do we do with the slosh?
The problem of dredging rivers is the safe disposal of the dredged material, a very unstable product, occupying a large area of disposal.
In my young days I lived near a busy canal system, and would watch the dredged material off loaded by a steam driven grab onto land we christened "The Slosh"!
It was war time and odd lumps of coal could be recovered. Many times went home with muddy socks. No Health and Safety in those days!
Stephen Bridgwater, Midlands
Are we members or the masters?
Oh dear, I have flitted from the Red Wall to hung upside down with my head in the clouds in an attempt to answer Thomas Nagel's question, 'What is it like to be a bat ?'. Fortunately, as a bat, I will not be classified as a pest or vermin and subjected to poison or traps whilst I cogitate the answer to his question. If an ecosystem repeatedly produces what we call pests or vermin, is the problem always the animal, or sometimes the way we have altered the ecosystem ?
Perhaps one should consider Aldo Leopold's famous "Land Ethic", that humans are members of the ecological community; rather than masters of it. If we judge creatures by whether it serves our interests, or not, then who will decide what wildlife should be eradicated; and why?
Roger Norton, Midlands
Why would we rejoin the EU?
Lots of French people are rioting, Europe is almost broke. Andy Burnham wants to take us back into Europe where we will be welcome with open arms. They know Burnham will give them nearly all of the money that we have left. Mind you they will have to be quick in accepting us because he will change his mind the next day.
Kenneth Clibery, Lanesfield
Europe means better security
As Trump joins sides with Russia, it is time for Europe to stand together – and for the UK to rejoin the EU. We are far more secure as part of Europe than seeking to cosy up to America.
Mark Pickett, Shifnal
Strictly, I’m not that impressed
Strictly Come Dancing – what a load of rubbish! And as for the presenters don't give up your day jobs because you are no good. And the outfits! I don't know who as chosen them but you all look like something that has fallen off the top of a Christmas Tree.
Nora Bryan, Midlands
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