Special guests for sanctuary's annual thanksgiving service
WE'RE very concerned as we've had notice from the Hedgehog Protection Society that hedgehogs are in trouble.
Certainly the past two or three we've had brought in have been far too late for veterinary help and for our help. So please look out for any that appear to be in trouble and get help for them asap. It would be sad if this situation was allowed to get worse as hedgehogs are dear little things and are very useful to the environment, especially to gardeners.
Our Muscovy ducks have two babies, of which the mum is very proud. They were born in Bridget's stable but are now quite used to life here. Mum takes them swimming and it's a delight to see the family taking a stroll around 'their estate'.
I must admit we were very wise to remove a few of the eggs on which she was sitting, and she's quite content with her small family. Last year's chicks are fully grown now and have integrated remarkably well. Goosy is busy laying the occasional egg but, unfortunately for her, she has no mate, which is a pity as she's very protective of her eggs.
It's Swanny we're worried about as she's showing signs of age now and is very slow. She still seems happy enough and spends a lot of time up beside William or in his stable, and Goosy is nearly always with her.
Our new wild bird area is doing very well and we have lots of different species. We even had a couple of long tailed tits, which we've not noticed before. All kinds are now aware of the food and water and other facilities, and are making good use of these. We have several robins nesting and producing chicks and even some sparrows, which we thought had given us up. Rachel Stanhope, the Selby Countryside Officer, is a tremendous help as she and Lorraine have so much more knowledge than we have. They're going to help us get more nesting boxes as they know the best ones to get for our area.
We have bluebells growing nicely on this patch too. We put them in last winter, together with other wild flower bulbs, and we have a nice crop of forget-me-nots, which my friend from Doncaster sent us early this year and which will spread. Kath is the gardening expert and she has planted up several large pots with pansies and herbs, and some ready for geraniums, which we hope to get next. If things are in tubs, they can be moved about where colour is needed, and also they can be removed when past their best and replaced.
Just in case there's a water shortage, I invested in several water barrels, which we placed in strategic areas. The big pond is already depleted and we can't afford to be complacent in a place like this as so many creatures depend on us.
Our annual thanksgiving service is on Saturday at 10.30am
The Rev Susan Murray will conduct the service, as always, and we're lucky the Rev Margaret Cundiff has agreed to be our guest speaker. The Rev George Greenhough will be coming and Chris Pearson, our county councillor.
Most important of all, the Scout and Guide band will again honour us by not only playing for us, but will also give us a demonstration of their skills – that's if Bridget the donkey will allow them to use her paddock.
Mrs Richardson and Amy (Mark's mum and sister) will again be in charge of refreshments as they were last year, when Amy's buns disappeared at a rate of knots!
Everyone is welcome, especially children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult who must accept responsibility for them. This is because our health and safety instructions are very strict. Most important of all, the Scout and Guide band will again honour us by not only playing for us, but will also give us a demonstration of their skills – that’s if Bridget the donkey will allow them to use her paddock.
Mrs Richardson and Amy (Mark’s mum and sister) will again be in charge of refreshments as they were last year, when Amy’s buns disappeared at a rate of knots!
Everyone is welcome, especially children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult who must accept responsibility for them. This is because our health and safety instructions are very strict.
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Weather for Selby
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
