WILDLIFE

 

Far too many people in this country, and abroad, seem to be hell bent on destroying our wildlife. Whether they are killing for food or sport, or just destroying the habitat itself, they are having a huge negative impact on our countryside and its inhabitants.

HUNTING
In 2005 the hunting of foxes, deer, hares and mink with packs of dogs was made illegal in the UK. But despite the ban many hunts continue as before. Also, hunters are still permitted to send two hounds into a wood to flush out foxes which they then shoot. Now, in 2010, thanks to The Conservatives, there is a real threat of the hunting ban being overturned. We must not allow this to happen!

SHOOTING
Every year, millions of pheasants are bred in captivity, then released into the wild so that they can be shot for 'sport'. They are mass produced inside battery cages, sheds and pens. They have their beaks trimmed and clips inserted into their nostrils to prevent them pecking at eachother due to their overcrowded living conditions. Many birds, on release, die of exposure, starvation and disease. Gamekeepers trap and kill other wild animals to prevent them killing the pheasants before they can be shot. Grouse, partridges and ducks are also hunted and shot.

ANGLING
Fishing is far from a peaceful pastime, where you can get close to nature. These fish, that feel pain, are speared with hooks, dragged from the water leaving them struggling and suffocating. They are then kept and eaten, or thrown back just to go through the hole prosess again.
Anglers discarded hooks and lines also injure and kill swans, ducks and other wildlife.

 

FEEDING YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE

BIRDS
There are a number of ways to feed birds in your garden. You can feed them peanuts, but do not put out whole peanuts as small birds can choke on them. Instead offer them in a wire feeder.
Other suitable foods are sunflower hearts, Fat balls and fat cakes, Bread broken into small pieces, Seed and grain mix, Apples, pears and grapes. You can also put out cooked potatos, cooked rice ( boiled without salt ), and dried fruit.
Also always make sure birds have access to fresh driking water and a bird bath.

HEDGEHOGS
Firstly, leave slugs alone as they are eaten by hedgehogs. Hedgehogs will also eat both moist and dry dog food. You shouldn’t leave out milk or bread for hedgehogs as it causes diarrhoea but do ensure that there’s plenty of water available. You can also buy special hedgehog food from pet stores.

BADGERS
Badgers love unsalted peanuts and you can buy badger mixes. Root vegetables are also a favourite so, to avoid them digging yours up, leave out some carrots, fruit or some cooked potato. But be warned, They’ll also eat hedgehogs so you need to be aware of that if you’re trying to attract the latter into your garden.

FOXES
Foxes aren't really fussy eaters, and will happily eat most kitchen scraps you may have.

SQUIRRELS
Squirrels will feast on a variety of nuts but make sure they’re unsalted. Peanuts, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are particular favourites but be careful about leaving whole ones out during the birds’ breeding season. Squirrels will also eat apples and it’s useful to leave out carrots which can help prevent calcium deficiency.