FOR 300 years they have been missing from the countryside - but now one of three small colonies of wild boar in England is scavenging around the Dorset backwoods.

What should be done about the re-emergence of animals that for centuries were extinct in the British Isles?

Walkers, land owners and members of the public are being invited by South Dorset's biodiversity minister Jim Knight MP to express their views.

"Potentially they are very positive because they root around for acorns and beech nuts, which churns up the ground and is a good thing," said Mr Knight.

"On the other hand there is the risk of spreading diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and swine fever."

A number of wild boar escaped from wild boar farms in the 1980s and have since established small colonies in West Dorset, around Kent and Sussex and the Forest of Dean.

It is thought there are about 500 roaming the country.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on issues surrounding the managing and monitoring of wild boar - such as the implications on spreading disease, damage to crops, conservation and human safety.

Mr Knight said: "From research and monitoring, we know that poor wild boar management poses potential problems for agriculture, animal health and welfare, and for wildlife.

"It is likely that members of the public will have strong views on one side and farmers worrying about disease and crop damage might have different views.

"So before we decide to either leave them alone or actively manage them we have to know what people think."

The consultation documents can be viewed on the Defra website or by calling 01904 462062.

First published: September 5