Page 40 - link magazine

40 The Link Magazine • March 2006
v!' Diggers return to put the bends back into the river bed
Phase Two of a major project to turn the River Ray between Westlea and Barnfield into a magnet for
wildlife gets underway at the end of February when contractors will dig a new course for the river.
Grooming salons are The project being managed by "By putting these bends in, plus once the contractors have moved
not just for poodles! the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is de- stony shallow riffles, pools and away everything will grow back
signed to encourage a wide range scrapes, we will be making the river vigourously as it's full of natural
Whatever shape, of bird and insect life, mammal more natural and therefore more plants that show the area has
size or hair length, and fish to colonise the area, as attractive to wildlife." hardly ever been interfered with.
all dogs deserve well as make it into a more beauti- "Since October volunteers have Jo will be found on site on most
a visit to ful and natural area for the public, cut back trees along the edge of the days and will be pleased to ex-
Hair of the Dog ^^ t
"We're going to dig out a whole river and the flood plain so that the plain the project to anybody who
Collection/delivery available, or new channel that will help the river river can expand when it's full, takes the footpath / cycle way from
drop your dog off in the morning wiggle through the meadow in- "All these different types of habi- Westlea to Barnfield, next to
and pick up in the evening
stead of being shoved to the edge tat will be fantastic for birds such Thames Water.
74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon like a drainage channel as it has as kingfishers, as well as otters The project is funded by the En-
Call Denise on 01793 608747 been for the last 40 years," said Jo and the endangered water vole." vironment Agency, Biffaward,
Sayers, the WWT Wildlife Project Over the next few months the npower, Swindon Council and
or 07866 507633
Officer. site will be muddy and bare but Swindon Services.
Jo Saner holding The Link's sponsored otter at the River Ray site
PETS AT HOME
Caj'de
Worried who will look
after your pet whilst
you're on holiday? SERVICE
14 Waterdown Close
Pets At Home Taw Hill, Swindon
could be your answer
01793 702098
Pets At Home is a service
which cares for all your pets Mob: 07904 734 758
(except dogs) in their www.carolespetsitting.co.uk
own home anywhere in Taking the worry out of leaving
the West Swindon area onlv your pets
Telephone Sheila Mitchell for whilst you're away
further details on 873062 FRIENDLY Adopt an otter and help the Ray
PROFESSIONAL
[email protected] How about helping a project such as the River Ray restoration?
SERVICE "By adopting an otter you can help Wiltshire Wildlife Trust projects
that benefit otters, water voles and other creatures of watery habitat. It
is also a fantastic idea for a present for a friend, loved one, relative or
even for yourself," says Andrew Foot, the WWT head of fund raising.
The person on whose behalf you adopt the animal will receive a
unique gift box containing a cuddly soft toy otter, information about the
animal, a certificate, pen and window sticker. You can then register to
receive two updates over the next year about otters and the projects
associated with them. You can arrange for the box to be sent straight to
the recipient or to yourself.
For adoption details call 01380 725670. They can also be found at:
www.wiltshirewildlife.org

Guinea Pig Show
Organised by Wiltshire Cavie Club
Saturday 4 March, 10am - 3pm. Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall
Free to visit. Raffle, refreshments. Advice and help on guinea pig care
See a wide variety of guinea pigs
Details from Margaret Hooper on 497916

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive
C
ents'' West Swindon SN5 5PY
A friendly, caring service for you and your pet
David Warnes BVSc MRCVS

Consultations by appointment:
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm
Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)