Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

IT’S FUNNY how some people who can’t bear to hear the sound of people eating, don’t mind hearing an animal crunching and slurping their way through supper.

It’s also funny how some people who complain about manspreading in people, don’t mind at all if animals do the same. That’s good news for cats like Billie as he sits there showing us his wedding tackle.

Billie is in foster care with the animal home, Mayhew, and he sounds like the sort of cat who is adorable to have around. Billie came into the care of Mayhew as the landlord wouldn’t allow him to stay with his previous family. He found life in the cattery a bit tough so was taken into a foster home.

The foster carer says Billie has a loving nature and will happily nestle next to you for cuddles or sit perched on the end of your bed.

He prefers being in the same room as the foster carer but is independent enough to find another room to sleep if he wants.

He can be very playful. Although Billie is mostly quiet he tends to be vocal around breakfast or dinner times. The foster carer says he’ll make someone a lovely companion. If this could be you, see details at themayhew.org

Looking at or listening to an animal eat could be one of the activities for the 30 Days Wild Challenge that The Wildlife Trusts organise annually. Each year, in order to help us appreciate and enjoy nature and wildlife, The Wildlife Trusts challenge us to do one wild thing each day in June. By this they mean a simple act of wildness such as helping insects by sowing wildflower seeds, listening to birdsong, reducing our plastic use or sketching something from nature.

To help us with ideas, they have sensory bingo with activities such as feeling the bark of a tree and smelling a wild herb as well as flash cards with activities such as making a mini-pond and having a picnic. There are 46 wildlife trusts operating throughout the UK. Although they are all independent charities, they’re working together to restore, protect and connect at least 30% of the UK’s land and seas for nature by 2030.

They care for 2,300 nature reserves ranging from lakes, to carbonstoring peatlands and ancient woodlands.

When you sign up to take part in 30 Days Wild, you get a free pack full of inspirational activity ideas. For details of how to take part, see wildlifetrusts.org

Billie chilling out in foster