Latest news with #Dorking
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dog attack on Dorking farm sparks plea for lead usage
A dog attack which left a number of lambs seriously injured has sparked a warning from Surrey's deputy police and crime commissioner.A lamb had its top lip torn away in the attack earlier this month at a farm in Dorking, which previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single visiting the farm, Surrey DPCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged dog owners to keep pets on leads."Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets. But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways," she said. Vesey-Thompson warned of the "traumatising" effects of livestock worrying, which is a criminal offence in the UK and includes barking, chasing, biting and said: "While I'm pleased that the lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover."This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead."The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it was also important to ensure dogs were secure in the home or garden."Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered," a spokesperson said.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why are there so many parakeets in Surrey?
"Surrey is a prime parakeet county," says Oliver Fry from the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Standing in Meadowbank Park in Dorking, he tells Secret Surrey the bright green birds like tall trees, munching on blossom and drinking out of ponds. They are often heard before they are seen as they have "very loud, shrill voices" and "argue quite a lot", Mr Fry explains. But why are there so many parakeets in Surrey, and where did they come from? Mr Fry says many popular myths surround how parakeets - an invasive species - arrived in the UK. His favourite is that US guitarist Jimi Hendrix released them on Carnaby Street in London near the end of the 1960s. "It is lovely to think of him giving these exotic creatures their first taste of Britain." Going back further, the wildlife expert says another urban legend is that parakeets were brought onto the set of the 1951 film The African Queen and escaped. But the truth behind their arrival in the UK, according to him, is that they were imported from India and Pakistan as pets. "Many people who bought them relatively cheaply in those days got fed up with them and let them go," he tells BBC Radio Surrey. "The hardiest ones managed to eke out a living. Now they are thriving here." Mr Fry says parakeet imports were at their height in the 1970s and 80s, when large numbers of wild birds started to be shipped commercially by air. But the non-migratory species was brought in by boat before that and there are records of parakeets living in the wild during Victorian times. DNA research by the University of Kent has traced the majority of British parakeets back to populations from Pakistan and northern parts of India. Mr Fry says the parakeet trade boomed because they were easy to catch, transport and sell. But the bird was a "rip off", he continues. "They generally don't like to be kept in cages, they don't tame down very easily and are noisy." Though he himself likes them, Mr Fry says the species is controversial for both the public and conservationists. "Not everyone loves them. They are very brash, colourful, domineering creatures. "That obviously is going to divide opinion." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook or X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. England's largest vineyard plagued by pigeons How well do you know the songs of Surrey's spring birds? Call for catapult ban after spate of swan attacks Surrey Wildlife Trust
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Why are there so many parakeets in Surrey? Where did they come from?
"Surrey is a prime parakeet county," says Oliver Fry from the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Standing in Meadowbank Park in Dorking, he tells Secret Surrey the bright green birds like tall trees, munching on blossom and drinking out of ponds. They are often heard before they are seen as they have "very loud, shrill voices" and "argue quite a lot", Mr Fry why are there so many parakeets in Surrey, and where did they come from? Jimi Hendrix and the African Queen Mr Fry says many popular myths surround how parakeets - an invasive species - arrived in the UK. His favourite is that US guitarist Jimi Hendrix released them on Carnaby Street in London near the end of the 1960s. "It is lovely to think of him giving these exotic creatures their first taste of Britain." Going back further, the wildlife expert says another urban legend is that parakeets were brought onto the set of the 1951 film The African Queen and escaped. But the truth behind their arrival in the UK, according to him, is that they were imported from India and Pakistan as pets. "Many people who bought them relatively cheaply in those days got fed up with them and let them go," he tells BBC Radio Surrey. "The hardiest ones managed to eke out a living. Now they are thriving here." Mr Fry says parakeet imports were at their height in the 1970s and 80s, when large numbers of wild birds started to be shipped commercially by the non-migratory species was brought in by boat before that and there are records of parakeets living in the wild during Victorian research by the University of Kent has traced the majority of British parakeets back to populations from Pakistan and northern parts of India. 'Bash, colourful, domineering' Mr Fry says the parakeet trade boomed because they were easy to catch, transport and sell. But the bird was a "rip off", he continues. "They generally don't like to be kept in cages, they don't tame down very easily and are noisy." Though he himself likes them, Mr Fry says the species is controversial for both the public and conservationists. "Not everyone loves them. They are very brash, colourful, domineering creatures. "That obviously is going to divide opinion."
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dorking infant school offers children part-time 'flexi schooling'
An infant school is to experiment with so-called "flexi-schooling".It could see pupils attending school part-time, with the rest of their education being provided through home arrangement will be offered by St Michael's in Mickleham near Dorking, Surrey, from Nicola Cleather said the option will "put the needs of children first". Ms Cleather said: "We have seen a marked change in children's needs and learning styles."Some children thrive best when given opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting and our new flexi-schooling option officially recognises this."For years, we have provided a creative and flexible approach to education, adapting to the individual needs of our pupils."She said she hoped "giving families the chance to combine the structure of school life with the freedom and personalisation of home education" would "foster a genuine love of learning in our children and build the resilience and skills needed for future success".
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Dorking fan who threw flare at Worthing given day to admit guilt
A non-league football club has told a supporter who threw a flare onto the pitch that they have a day to come forward, "otherwise we'll come and find you".The incident happened at Worthing FC's Sussex Transport Community Stadium during an Easter Monday match against Dorking Wanderers in the National League a social media post, Dorking Wanderers apologised, stating it "won't stand for this type of conduct, not on our badge".The club promised that the spectator would be found if they do not voluntarily confess. The statement, from Dorking chief executive Jonathan Bines, said: "Embarrassing for us as a club."Whoever was responsible, you have the option to come forward by midday tomorrow, otherwise we'll come and find you anyway. Plenty of people saw you do it, so it won't take us too long."And anyone else associated with this and any other anti-social behaviour, you're also welcome to come forward before we find you."We are a family club and always will be."The attendance at the match, which ended 1-1, was 2,992.
