7th August 2025 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH 7 days a week 8am-8pm 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Forestsidegrooming.co.uk How to Enjoy Even Greater Value with a Wildlife Day out this Summer e Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover has o en been praised for delivering great value family days out with three daily ying displays, talks, demonstrations, tractor trailer rides, a Vulture Voyage Adventure Trail and a Tree Trail all included in the ticket price - and all while helping raise funds for the bird of prey charity’s conservation and research work. However, we have some tips on special days you could visit this summer and get even more value from your ticket for a day out with incredible birds of prey: ART WEEKEND – Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August e British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth. e warning comes a er several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers around the UK. Con rmed sightings are identi ed by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities. e algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an a ected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur a er going for a swim. It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams said: “Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously ill and can even be fatal. We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk. With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with bluegreen algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.” Top tips for pet owners • Look out for any warning signs near water bodies. • Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it. • If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water a erwards. • Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae. • Report sightings of suspected bluegreen algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app: www.ceh.ac.uk/ our-science/projects/bloomin-algae You can also set up noti cations for con rmed sightings in your area. • ere are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool o and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors. Hot Summer Sparks Blue-green Algae Warning from Vets is one’s for lovers of wildlife and art. e Trust will be hosting artists exhibiting their work, including Artist in Residence Alex McGarry who will be creating a live bird-themed masterpiece which visitors can see come to life before their eyes. Amid the inspirational beauty of the 22-acre woodland and wild ower meadow settings, visitors will discover a range of art-based activities to enjoy in addition to the usual fun-packed daily timetable. INTERNATIONAL VULTURE AWARENESS DAY – Saturday 6th September If you don’t think vultures are fun, then think again! As part of the serious business of raising awareness of these fascinating yet endangered birds, visitors can enjoy even more vultures than normal swooping inches above their heads and a host of vulture-themed activities throughout the day – all celebrating these ecologically important and o en misunderstood creatures. Event organisers at the Hawk Conservancy Trust are warning that these days can o en sell-out in advance with online booking being the most popular way to secure a ticket. So, if you want to be an early bird, take ight for the website where further details of each event, everything else included in the ticket price and online booking can all be found: www.hawk-conservancy.org e Hawk Conservancy Trust is dedicated to conservation, research and education concerning birds Visitors to the Hawk Conservancy Trust can enjoy even more vultures than normal swooping inches above their heads on International Vulture Awareness Day class ying displays in three completely di erent arenas or simply meander through 22 acres of woodland and wild ower meadow. of prey and their habitats both in the UK and overseas, and utilises income from its visitor centre near Andover, to fund its work. Visitors can experience rare birds of prey up close, watch worldThe Hawk Conservancy Trust’s Artist in Residence Alex McGarry will be creating a live bird-themed masterpiece over the Art Weekend
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