There is outrage from some supporters of Somerset Wildlife Trust and anti badger cull groups after the charity named pro badger cull MP Rebecca Pow as a new vice president.

Diary farmer and festival legend Michael Eavis has also been named a new vice president of the wildlife charity.

The charity, which has a badger as its logo, says that the honorary posts have been awarded in recognition of their significant contributions to environmental work and support for the county’s leading conservation charity.

Adding that the, "role is primarily an informal one, concerned with supporting and promoting the work of the Trust to members and the public at functions or events."

Somerset Wildlife Trust is firmly opposed to the badger cull and says that no Wildlife Trust will allow badger culling on its land, calling it wasteful and wholly misguided.

Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the Badger Trust called the move incomprehensible, saying: "Do you like killing wildlife why not become a vice president of Somerset Wildlife Trust?"

“These appointments are incomprehensible to anyone genuinely concerned about wildlife issues in Britain today."

“This is a complete betrayal of the fundamental values of conservationists and the vast majority of the public."

Somerset Wildlife Trust President, Stephen Moss has said he is delighted to welcome "two such passionate advocates for our work and our county’s wildlife on board as Vice Presidents".

Adding: Michael has been a long-term supporter of the Trust through the Glastonbury Festival and supported our latest land purchase at Westhay Heath – one of our most important nature reserves in the Avalon Marshes.

"Rebecca’s friendship with Somerset Wildlife Trust goes back many years and she was a Trustee for a decade, before standing down following her successful election as MP for Taunton Deane; we’re very glad to have her back.’

Since her election in May, Rebecca Pow MP has become a member of the Environment and Rural Affairs Select Committee and Environment Audit Committee, in Parliament, as well as chairing a new All Party Parliamentary Group on Ancient Woodland and Veteran trees.

Honorary Vice Presidents are appointed by Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Council.