Conservation Communication

Tooth & Claw explores our modern day attitudes towards predators, exposing our prejudices and asking difficult questions of us all. The project adopted an impartial approach to some complex issues, aiming to encourage more fact-based dialogue about predator management, whilst equipping its audience with a better understanding of the role of natural processes in our lives.

Britain has rid itself of all of its large carnivores - those very animals that we now revere and ask other countries to protect. Despite not having to contend with lynx, wolves and bears, we still find ourselves wrestling with polarised perspectives on foxes, raptors, otters and pine martens. For many these animals are symbolic of a healthy environment and a wildlife comeback that reflects our softening attitudes towards those species that need to kill to survive. For others foxes are vermin, peregrine falcons a threat to racing pigeons, otters a threat to ornamental fish and martens a threat to other rare and protected species. These varied perspectives rooted in our deep-seated belief systems, hold up a mirror to our wider relationship with the natural world.

All images ©Peter Cairns