Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
IT’S ALWAYS useful to have a few things up your sleeve if you’ve got children to entertain in the Easter holidays.
So let’s round up a few. The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is inviting us to visit their rehoming centre to meet the Easter Bunny. There will be an egg hunt, crafts, a raffle and animal encounter sessions. It takes place between April 15 to April 18 (11am-4pm).
While there, you’ll be welcome to look round the centre. Not everyone who visits wants to rehome an animal, many people visit because they enjoy meeting the animals and having a snack in the café.
Ned is one of the animals currently waiting there for a home. This beautiful ex-racing greyhound loves cuddles and attention. He gets on well with dogs at the centre so could live with dogs of a similar size to him but no cats. If you can offer Ned a loving home, see more details at nawt.org.uk or visit him at the NAWT rehoming centre at Tylers Way, Watford-by-pass WD25 8WT.
Now back to children’s activities. Dogs Trust are organising face to face, family workshops which are educational and free. They include dog-related games and activities designed to teach children how to behave responsibly around dogs. These 90 minute sessions are aimed at children aged seven and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Venues include Dogs Trust’s West London rehoming centre (April 6, April 20) and Ruislip Manor Library (April 7). For details and to book see dogstrust.org.uk. Alternatively, email rosie.allen@dogstrust.org.uk or call 07551 805406.
If your children like a day in the park, don’t forget the Litter Bugs Trail in Black Park, Buckinghamshire. Visitors to the trail will be able find a series of artworks in the shape of giant bugs. The bugs are made of litter from around Black Park so look out for bottle top beetles and water bottle spiders. It’s a self-led trail with directional signs around the site. The trail carries the message, don’t drop litter, don’t be a litterbug. For more information and to download a map go to countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk. The trail runs from March 29 to April 24 in conjunction with the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean.
On April 13 (11am – 3pm) there will be a Waste Awareness Day in Black Park with educational stalls and more activities for children. Chris Wicks Wildlife Rescue will also be there explaining the dangers of litter to wildlife.