Pets

INTRODUCING BRITISH DIVERS MARINE LIFE RESCUE

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is a nationwide charity dedicated to the rescue of marine mammals - seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales – around our coastline. The organisation has over 2500 volunteer ‘Marine Mammal Medics’, ready to respond to any of the 2000+ callouts the charity’s hotline receives every year.

With emphasis about going to the coast for mental and physical health benefi ts this can unintentionally bring with it greater confl ict between people and wildlife as they compete for space. Climate change also appears to be having a growing impact on our wildlife, with some species like dolphins shifting their distribution around the coast as sea temperatures change.

BDMLR Medics also deal with whales, dolphins and porpoises when they are stranded alive on the beach. Like seals, they can sometimes be in poor health, but other times may simply have been caught out by fast moving tides or enclosed areas like estuaries. After expert veterinary assessment, these animals can be refl oated back into the sea if deemed suitable. Marine Mammal Medics and rescue equipment are also based near Alfreton. In 2018 it was found that Midlands medics formed the link between East and West coast rehab centres and medics often relay seal pups through Derbyshire. Almost thirty seal pups had travelled through the area this year alone, for vital treatment and rehab before being released. Midlands medics also respond to rescues on the coastlines, this included seven Sperm Whales which stranded Christmas Eve 2020, a four metre Basking Shark and two Porpoises. One of the porpoises was named by the coastguards as Annie. Annie stranded at Chapel St Leonards in August 2020 and medics from Tibshelf responded to the urgent call out. With heavy rain, thunder and lightening they made it to the coast as night fell. It was found that not only had Annie stranded, but she was pregnant and in labour on the beach. Medics entered the water with Annie and with coastguards holding onto the medics to try and stabilise them in the two metre waves crashing about them, Annie was given medical aid and assessed. Medics and coastguards clung to each other in the terrible weather, shielding Annie from the worst of the battering sea for more than an hour, whilst crews from RNLI Skegness battled their way through the storm. Annie was gently loaded onto the lifeboat and with medics on board she was taken out to sea where the water was much calmer, here she was re-assessed before being lowered gently over the side. Both Annie and her baby survived.

If you are interested in joining our team then please check out our website on www.bdmlr.org.uk for more information.

5 1/2 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM MORTON VIA PADLEY WOOD

This month’s walk first featured in the magazine nearly eight years ago! We re-walked the route in December and brought it up to date with a few minor tweaks. Rafa wouldn’t have even been five years old at the time of this walk, so it was lovely to take him back over old footsteps and to still see a spring in his step. There is nothing as wonderful as sharing a walk with your furry friend and this is a lovely walk to share. A moderate walk with a varied terrain. The route should take around 2 1/2 hours. There are some stretches along country roads, so take care. And of course, as usual at this time of the year there are some uneven and muddy parts so a good pair of boots or wellies is highly recommended.

START: HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CHURCH LANE, MORTON, DERBYSHIRE, DE55 6GU

1. Begin at the church on Church Lane in Morton. On street parking is normally available nearby. With the church on your right head along Church Lane, before following the road around to the right to continue along Higham Lane. 2. Walk along this country road for just under 600 meters, taking care to watch out for traffic as there are no footpaths. The road bends right then left twice, on the second time take a footpath sign for ‘Mickley Lane’ on your right, between a road sign and a gate.

3. Follow this path into a field a cross the stile and pass through a gate, keep ahead to pass through another gate. Continue ahead past a pylon on your right and at the corner of the field pass through the hedge and carry on ahead to cross three fields via the stiles available.

4. At the end of the third field go through a gate and keep ahead, with the hedge on your right. Cross a stile and then at the corner of the next field pass through a gate before turning right to pass through another gate. Carry on ahead towards a metal gate marked ‘footpath’. Walk straight ahead through the farm yard following the clearly marked ‘footpath’ signs in white paint. Take caution here as there may be a loose, barking dog in the farm yard. 5. Carry on ahead through a field with a caravan park on your left to reach a wooded area. Join the path straight ahead of you and follow this to reach Morton Road. Pass through the gate and cross with care. Carry on ahead following the footpath sign. Keeping to the main path until you reach a stile at a cross roads with a rough farm road. Carry on ahead with the wooded area on your right then turn right at the first opportunity to keep the wooded area on your right and solar panels on your left. 6. Follow this track straight ahead to cross a stile, then keep to the right-hand path to cross the rail bridge and pass into Padley Wood. Keep to the main track and cross a small footbridge. When you meet the fields join the path straight ahead with the hedge on your right and follow it uphill. 7. Carry on along this path for a fair distance entering into the edge of a wooded area. After leaving the wood carry on the corner of a field. Here you will meet a crossroad of paths. Take the gate on your right and follow the path alongside a field with the hedge on your left. (Take care not to take the path downhill and through a gate.) 8. At the corner of the field turn right and continue with the hedge on your left. At the next corner pass through the hedge, take a gate on your right and turn left along a farm track. At the bottom of the track you meet Padley Wood Lane. Turn right here. 9. Carry on along the lane as it bends left and then follow it ahead until you get close to a farm. Take a path on your left straight ahead as the lane bends right towards the farm. Follow the path, keeping the hedge on your right. Part way down the side of the field keep to the right and follow the path into another field and continue ahead.

10. Pass through a gate and continue along the path as it takes you over a rail bridge and then back onto to a hedge lined track. Carry on along this track as it joins Evershilll Lane. Walk along the lane for a fair distance as it brings you back into Morton. Keep to the lane until you meet the B6014 Stretton Road.

11. Cross the road and turn left on the road and follow it back towards the church. Turn right after a red brick house to pass through the Church Yard and bring you back to where you began.

FINISH: HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CHURCH LANE, MORTON, DERBYSHIRE, DE55 6GU

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Walk Your Dog Month

January 2022 officially marks Walk Your Dog Month. By taking your dog for regular walks, it provides the foundation for both positive physical and mental health.

Walk Your Dog Month offers the perfect opportunity to get you and your dog moving. Why not kickstart your healthy new year’s resolutions with more exercise and fresh air? Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather put you and your dog off. Dogs require plenty of exercise throughout their lives and the best way to keep them active during the winter months is to take them for regular walks. Take a look at the following suggestions to help you and your dog celebrate Walk Your Dog Month.

Your walking route

It’s a great idea to change your walking route. A different route will provide some new sights, sounds and smells for your dog. It will also leave them feeling excited, content and add to their overall mental stimulation.

A new treat for your dog

Why not treat your dog to a new coat, collar or toy? These little treats won’t go unnoticed and they can help to make all the difference.

Teaching new tricks

Teaching your dog some new tricks is an opportunity for you to not only spend some quality time together, but it can also help to burn off some energy too. It’s a great way for your dog to get some all-important exercise in a fun, focused and enjoyable way.

Improve mental wellbeing

As your dog may be in the house more than usual during the winter months, a walk could really help to lift their mood. Afterall, physical activity releases endorphins which create a feeling of happiness.

The community

Walking your dog means you are much more likely to meet other dog owners within your community who are also out and about walking their dogs. This provides a great opportunity for your dog to enjoy some social interaction with new and familiar dogs.

Article written by Scarsdale Vets

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