Latest News of Local Interest

Frozen Ferret & Polecat Purity

Polecat-Ferret cross

Miscegenate, miscegenate, miscegenate!

Jess Price writes:

If you come across a polecat carcass and are prepared to collect it, please freeze it and contact the Vincent Wildlife Trust by calling 01531 636441 or email. They will arrange for a postage box to be sent to you for the body to be returned in free of charge.

There is a high occurrence of polecat-ferrets in Sussex, which means that this time the Vincent Wildlife Trust is looking for a good sample of polecat/polecat-ferret carcasses for the survey so that they can analyse polecat purity within the county.

More information here.

Can you help us to support older people in your local community?

RoyalVoluntaryService
The Royal Voluntary Service is a volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families across Britain.

Volunteers are vital to Royal Voluntary Service. Without them we simply wouldn’t exist. Currently, more than 40,000 dedicated community volunteers deliver services that help older people live the life they want to. Whether it’s taking an older person to the shops, delivering a meal to them or even walking their dog – our volunteers make a big difference that is appreciated and valued. Through them, we want to help create a society where everyone feels valued and involved whatever their age. We believe old age should be celebrated, and so we should: we’re 75 years old and still going strong.

We are always looking for new, enthusiastic volunteers who can help us to make sure older people get the support they need and we’d really appreciate your help. I have attached a volunteer recruitment poster and would be extremely grateful if you could find a spot for it and encourage people from your local community to join us.

Anyone over the age of 14 can join and the great thing about volunteering is that it’s so flexible. You can fit it around all of the other things that you have to do. Whether you can spare a few hours once a week or fortnight or can give a couple of days each month we will have an opportunity for you.

We all know that the number of older people in our communities is set to grow in the future and we have to be ready. So over the next few years we will be expanding our services and developing new ones so our need for community volunteers will be even greater.

If you, or someone you know, think you can help then please contact our volunteering department on 0845 601 4670, email volunteer@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or search for opportunities online at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year,

Many thanks,
Jen Williams
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Royal Voluntary Service

Have you lost a bird?

Mike Russell Sussex Wildlife Trust

Mike Russell

Finding Birds in West Sussex

Sussex Wildlife Trust is offering a package of five field trips, from February to November 2014, led by Mike Russell, and including the Henfield Levels (February); The Burgh, Burpham (April); Stedham and Iping Commons (June); Chidham and Cobnor (September); and Amberley Wildbrooks (November). The subjects covered will include bird identification techniques; migration and seasonal factors in bird distribution; and habitats. This is a multi-session package: individual trips cannot be booked.

** Booking and detailed course information sheet **