• Conservation Group Update

The Portal Woodlands Conservation Group volunteers returned to clearing the perimeter track in March.

Over winter, the accumulation of decomposed leaves had created a lot of mud, and they try to keep this clear and safe for visitors. As we enter the bird nesting season, the Group ask dog owners to please keep their dogs to the marked paths, using leads if necessary. This is to prevent disturbance in the areas around bird boxes, and particularly ground-nesting birds.

The next Volunteer work morning is Saturday 20th May from 10am to Noon, meeting at the Education Area. New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact the Group at pwcg.martlesham@gmail. com, phone: 01473 612632 or visit the website: pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join the members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Stephen Corley, Chairman

Superhero volunteers helped the RSPCA collect, transport and release nearly 2,400 wild animals last year - and now the charity wants people to give a little bit of time this summer to do their bit for wildlife, as part of the Big Help Out.

The huge contribution made by the animal charity’s animal rescue volunteers is highlighted as the RSPCA is urging people to sign up as a ‘Wildlife Friend’ and join thousands of others making a difference as part of the Big Help Out on 8th May - a mass volunteering initiative to mark King Charles III’s Coronation celebrations.

By generously offering their time and expertise, animal rescue volunteers (ARVs) provide invaluable support for the RSPCA’s frontline officers, freeing them up to focus on the animals who are victims of cruelty and neglect who most need their specialist skills. The volunteers collect sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and transport them to RSPCA wildlife centres, external wildlife rehabilitators or veterinary establishments. They also help release rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild and have now started transferring some small domestic animals from centres and private boarders to vets.

Now the RSPCA wants more animal lovers to take action for wildlife and follow in the footsteps of their animal rescue volunteers. By becoming Wildlife Friends they can make a pledge to volunteer their time on the 8th May and beyond to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect the wildlife with which they share their communities - with even small contributions potentially making a big difference.

Wildlife Friends includes a choice of simple ideas to help wildlife on the doorstep either on your own, or as part of your family or group of friends, or even the wider community.

For example, volunteers could:

- Organise a litter pick

- Plant wildlife-friendly plants in gardens and window boxes

- Build nest boxes for wild animals

- Put food out for hedgehogs or create a hedgehog highway

- Get together with their neighbours to start a wildlife project

- Join ‘No mow May’ and make a habitat for butterflies, bees and insects in gardens

- Join online social media groups and signpost RSPCA advice about wildlife

RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves said, “Volunteers are critical to the RSPCA. We have some 10,000 volunteers including a network of about 140-branches across England and Wales which help tens of thousands of animals every single year. That work is made possible thanks to people who care generously by giving up their time to make a kinder world.

“But we can all do our bit for animals and Wildlife Friends is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes, or a couple of hours. Could you get together with friends or family to undertake a litter pick, so wild animals in your area don’t get injured by or tangled up in litter?

“Or do you fancy making a bug hotel to encourage minibeasts to your community which in turn will bring birds, butterflies and creatures like hedgehogs? Or perhaps you could get together with neighbours to create a wildlife garden in your street? Or are you a whiz on social media, so you can help share our vital wildlife education messaging so people know exactly what to do if they find a baby bird out of the nest?

“These things will all make a huge difference for wild animals, and their welfare - and we’re hoping even more amazing volunteers join us as part of the Big Help Out.”

Those interested in becoming a Wildlife Friend can find out more information on the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer/ thebighelpout

Join the RSPCA’s vice president, Steve Backshall, on May 8th for the Big Help Out by signing up to be a Wildlife Friend at www.rspca.org.uk/thebighelpout