Page 39 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • May 2006 39
Swan Sanctuary Keep Lydiard's ducks lean - don't feed them
appeals for food Nick Burton, head gardener at Lydiard House & Park, asks visitors to leave bread at home
Swindon's swan sanctuary run by We have probably all enjoyed feeding ducks at some point in our lives and Lydiard's ducks seem very
Sue Hulbert and her husband happy to gobble up bread thrown to them whilst we get pleasure from seeing them at close hand.
from their home in Shrivenham But this seemingly kind act may = As avian flu has reached Britain,
Road is asking for donations of not be what it appears to be. Feed- - close contact with migrating birds
food to sustain their rescue work. ing ducks with lots of bread can 3 is not encouraged.
cause major problems. Naturally, ducks eat lots of
As part of the restoration project, aquatic insects such as midge lar-
funded by the Heritage Lottery vae and mayfly during the spring
Fund, the new lakes at Lydiard and summer, which are high in
Park are beginning to fill, and protein and help the rapid growth
Swindon Borough Council wants and survival of ducklings. Bread is
to encourage a healthy, natural and low in protein and does not pro-
sustainable population of waterfowl in the park. vide the balanced diet ducks require. Feeding them
Feeding bread to ducks can lead to overcrowding with lots of bread can actually lead to malnutrition.
at a particular point, leading to water pollution and If you still want to feed the ducks you can supple-
soiling of adjacent grass. ment their diet with whole grain during the autumn
If too much bread is given, it will attract rats and and winter, available from the Lydiard Park visitor
mouldy bread can cause botulism in ducks. Feeding centre from late summer until the spring.
wild birds can also alter their migration patterns, But remember, it is generally kinder not to feed the
putting their survival at risk. ducks and let them forage for their own food.
The demand to help rescued
swans and other birdlife always
rises in Spring. This time last year
Sue, above, was looking after 40
fledglings as well ducklings, baby
squirrels, foxes and bats.
The February Link reported that
the sanctuary could close in a year's
time unless there are major contri-
butions towards the £8,000 run-
ning costs.
To make a donation or help with
fundraising call Sue on 336408 or
mail: [email protected]

Your pet, one of
the family
a
Thameswood Small Animal Hos-
pital is once again supporting
National Pet Week in May, writes
Giovannia Hartley.
The aim is to boost awareness of • CARE
the many benefits of companion - for you and your pet
animals and the need to look after
them responsibly, which includes • COMPASSION - for your pet
good preventative health care. • COST - good value
This year's theme is on 'your pet
as one of the family' which the and great offers
Thameswood staff fully subscribe • CONVENIENT - only a few
to. The TVC team like to spoil their minutes from your doorstep
own pets as much as you spoil
yours and we endeavour to treat • CONTINUITY OF CARE
both you and your pets as part of - throughout your pets life
the practice, not just another pet
owner. • COMMUNICATION - we listen!
The aim of our Client Care Girls,
Lovely Nurses and Charming Vets • CAR PARK - plenty!
is to never upset your pet and ou r
hope is that your furry family mem- Small Animal Hospital
ber will enjoy coming to see us. 62 - 64 Purton Road. Swindon SN2 2LZ
To celebrate National Pet Week, Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk FREE
register with us and you will get Mon - Fri: 9am - 6.30pm CONSULTATIONS
£20 off any future consultation. On Sat: 9am - 11 am Worth up to £25
registration, one of our team of Consultation by appointment every Wednesday 2-3pm.
nurses will give your pet a check Monday - Friday: gam - 1 Oam: HAYDON
WICK
and will be able to give you advice 2pm - 3pm: 5pm - 6.30pm TAW WOOD THAMESW000 Open to all pet owners on a
first come first serve basis
N
SMALLANIMAL -
regarding all aspects of preventa- Saturday: gam - 11 am PAAK O ; OSPITAL A
tive health care. ,e-' iirr+ • a
^ ^ ^ \p cxoneoory 24 hour dedicated
So call us on 526780 to arrange a t v q ^q
emergency service
free health check for y our pet.
www.thameswoodvets.co.uk INVESTOR IN PEOPLE