Going Wild at the GSPCA - updates on the work at the Animal Shelter thanks to St Andrews Floral Group and others
Submitted by Steve on 12:34, 1st Sep, 2016 |
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The 'Going Wild at the GSPCA' project was launched by St Andrew’s Floral group in July 2015 and much progress has been made to provide a green framework for the buildings to improve the environment for the animals in care and attract wildlife.
The willow fedge and bird hide dome have grown well and also the wildlife hedge and native tree planting along the roadside.
For several years the pond has been leaking and sometimes only a small puddle remained in the bottom.
A decision was made to install a new liner but work has been delayed due to the wet weather and access for the digger which is needed to remove the large boulders and smooth the sides ready for the liner.
We are grateful to Jim and Liz Naftel for allowing Bob Froome access across their fields as it was too large to come down the lane.
A ledge has also been incorporated to allow for planting to provide a greater variety of habitats for wild-life. The pond is fed from an underground spring and surplus water will again overflow to the existing stream at the bottom where bog loving plants will be grown.
The pond will be an extension to the wild-life area developed by the RSPB and incorporates two insect hotels with help from the Beavers.
Facilities for children to enjoy pond-dipping will be incorporated.
Ann Wragg , Leader of St Andrew’s Floral group said “I am very excited to see the culmination of this part of the project which will make a huge difference to the grounds providing a more natural setting and encouraging wildlife."
"We are very grateful to all our volunteers and supporters including HSBC, Co-op, Insurance Corporation, RBC and Specsavers without whose help this project would not have been possible."
"Meanwhile the ducks look on with interest wondering where all their water has gone."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "In just over a year the conservation work that has taken place at the GSPCA grounds with help from St Andrews Floral Group who have brought together many groups, businesses and schools from the RSPB to the Beavers has been tremendous and we are currently undergoing a much needed project to help repair our onsite wildlife pond."
"The pond is a wonderful feature but has sadly had a number of issues in recent years and from the GSPCA we are hugely grateful to all that are helping make it possible to revitalise this picturesque scene and wildlife haven at the Animal Shelter in St Andrews."
The GSPCA and St Andrews Floral Group are appealing for help and support with the projects on site and with improving the wildlife rehabilitation facilities at the Animal Shelter.
Some of the projects include:
Improving the pond on site to make deeper sections and a pond dipping area for children
Improving the fields on site and moving soil
Making a new bank (pending planning permission)
Repairing a retaining wall
Tiling the seal and turtle wildlife rehabilitation area
Tiling the floor in the wildlife and hedgehog unit
Placing a new floor in the wildlife hospital area
Replanting the hanging baskets and planters around site
Planting hedging
Providing a picnic area
Improving the memorial garden
Putting bird nesting and box boxes around site
Building a larger pool for the seals and oiled birds
Putting path ways for visitors
Landscaping and much more.......
So far St Andrews Floral Group have managed to raise donations from Situations Recruitment, the Co-op Eco Fund and Men of the Tress, RSPB as well as many others and we are hugely grateful to all involved and helped so far. Some of the volunteers that have helped on site at the GSPCA include Situations Recruitment, RBS, Elizabeth College, Waitrose, the Probation Service, RSPB, Northern Trust, Medical Specialist Group, staff from Quex Gardens and of course the St Andrews Floral Group volunteers as well as others.
Much of this work is not only to help wildlife locally but we will also be opening the site much more to visitors to enjoy.
If you would like to get involved or like to support us in improving the grounds or facilities you can email the GSPCA Manager [email protected] or Ann Wragg from St Andrews Floral Group [email protected]
If you would like to donate online please click the paypal link below and reference 'St Andrews Floral Group help the GSPCA' so we can allocate the funds to the project.
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By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
Or by phone 01481 257261.
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