Latest news with #Halesworth
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
How common are wild wallabies in East Anglia?
Suffolk and Norfolk residents have been captivated this week after a small wallaby was spotted on the border near Bungay, as well as in Halesworth. While the species is not native to the UK, and it is not clear where it has come from, there are some wild colonies across the country. So just how many could there be in Suffolk and Norfolk? Where do wallabies come from? Wallabies are primarily found in Australia and nearby islands, and are members of the Macropod family along with kangaroos. They are typically small to medium-sized and have powerful hind legs that they use to bound along at high speeds and jump distances. Their diet typically consists of grass, herbs, roots, tree leaves, and other foliage. Why are there wallabies in the UK? A research paper in 2020 by Holly M. English of University College Dublin and Anthony Caravaggi of the University of South Wales looked into wallabies in the UK. They believed wallabies were likely first brought to the UK for zoos as well as for private collections in the late 19th Century. From then, it is believed that during the World Wars, some were released into the countryside as people were unable to look after them. Some of those wallabies that were released went on to form a population in the Peak District; however, they slowly died out over the years. Are there any large populations left in the UK? There is a large population of wallabies living on the Isle of Man. It is thought there are likely up to 1,000 of them living in an area of the isle called the Ballaugh Curragh. It is believed they were brought to a wildlife zoo in 1965 before some managed to escape and went on to breed. Surveys in 2023 and 2024 revealed the huge numbers living in the area with the use of thermal-imaging cameras. The study found there was a strong correlation with wallaby presence being linked to "cover of some sort", primarily woodland. Can wallabies survive in the wild? Helen Pearson, head of animal studies at Suffolk Rural, which has its own wallabies, said they could survive "quite well" in the UK. "They all come from Australia," she explained. "They live in shrubland out there, so as much as you think Australia is quite hot, they cope quite well in our climate. They're really hardy animals. "I know that on the Isle of Man, there is a wild population of wallabies because of how well they can survive. "Unfortunately, it does make them an invasive species because they are not native to here." While the animals are non-indigenous to the UK, it is unknown the impact they could be having on native animal and plant life, according to the 2020 research paper. Where could this wallaby have come from? It is currently unknown just where the wallaby on the Suffolk and Norfolk border has come from. "This one in particular in Suffolk, at one point it would have been in captivity, but I obviously don't know how long ago or if it's just escaped, or if it's been there for a long time," Ms Pearson said. "My guess, if you've only just seen it, then it's just escaped, but I don't know where from." Mr Pearson believed the wallaby was of the same kind as the ones at the college, a red-necked wallaby also known as a Bennett's wallaby. Have there been any other sightings in the area? Ms Pearson said she had not heard of any wild wallaby sightings in Suffolk before. However, the 2020 research paper mapped sightings of wallabies across the UK, and it found 95 confirmed sightings between 2008 and 2018, most of which were in the south of England. There were also 64 media reports of sightings during that time. A map of their findings suggested there had been some sightings in both Norfolk and Suffolk over the years, as well as in nearby Essex, but exact locations were not mentioned. While this is the first reported wallaby sighting in some time, there were other wallaby sightings near Halstead in Essex in 2018, as well as in Glemsford in Suffolk. At the time, it was believed they had escaped the year prior from a travelling carnival. There was also a captive wallaby named Sheila that escaped her home in Norwich in 2023, but she was later found. Is it illegal to release wallabies into the wild? It is considered illegal to release a wallaby into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This is because they are not native to the UK, and the Act protects wild animals and plants in the UK. Anyone caught doing this could face imprisonment or a fine. What should you do if you spot the wallaby? Ms Pearson offered advice to anyone who sees the wallaby again. "Try and, if possible, keep eyes on it from a distance if you can because as soon as you lose sight of it, it could be another week until someone sees it," she said. "Out there in the woodlands, fields and things, it could very easily disappear quite quickly. "I used to be a zookeeper, and when things like this happen, you want to know that someone can see it at all times. "Keep eyes and ring maybe the RSPCA or local vet, and hopefully they can assemble a team. "I wouldn't approach it; they've got a really big kick on them, which could cause you some injuries, so it's best to leave it alone." Suffolk Police also encouraged anyone who saw it to contact them. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story More sightings of wallaby roaming the countryside Video shows wallaby running in English countryside Survey shows wild wallaby population likely 1,000 Related internet links Suffolk Rural
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
How common are wild wallabies in Suffolk and Norfolk?
Suffolk and Norfolk residents have been captivated this week after a small wallaby was spotted on the border near Bungay, as well as in Halesworth. While the species is not native to the UK, and it is not clear where it has come from, there are some wild colonies across the country. So just how many could there be in Suffolk and Norfolk? Where do wallabies come from? Wallabies are primarily found in Australia and nearby islands, and are members of the Macropod family along with are typically small to medium-sized and have powerful hind legs that they use to bound along at high speeds and jump diet typically consists of grass, herbs, roots, tree leaves, and other foliage. Why are there wallabies in the UK? A research paper in 2020 by Holly M. English of University College Dublin and Anthony Caravaggi of the University of South Wales looked into wallabies in the believed wallabies were likely first brought to the UK for zoos as well as for private collections in the late 19th then, it is believed that during the World Wars, some were released into the countryside as people were unable to look after of those wallabies that were released went on to form a population in the Peak District; however, they slowly died out over the years. Are there any large populations left in the UK? There is a large population of wallabies living on the Isle of Man. It is thought there are likely up to 1,000 of them living in an area of the isle called the Ballaugh is believed they were brought to a wildlife zoo in 1965 before some managed to escape and went on to breed. Surveys in 2023 and 2024 revealed the huge numbers living in the area with the use of thermal-imaging cameras. The study found there was a strong correlation with wallaby presence being linked to "cover of some sort", primarily woodland. Can wallabies survive in the wild? Helen Pearson, head of animal studies at Suffolk Rural, which has its own wallabies, said they could survive "quite well" in the UK."They all come from Australia," she explained."They live in shrubland out there, so as much as you think Australia is quite hot, they cope quite well in our climate. They're really hardy animals."I know that on the Isle of Man, there is a wild population of wallabies because of how well they can survive."Unfortunately, it does make them an invasive species because they are not native to here."While the animals are non-indigenous to the UK, it is unknown the impact they could be having on native animal and plant life, according to the 2020 research paper. Where could this wallaby have come from? It is currently unknown just where the wallaby on the Suffolk and Norfolk border has come from."This one in particular in Suffolk, at one point it would have been in captivity, but I obviously don't know how long ago or if it's just escaped, or if it's been there for a long time," Ms Pearson said."My guess, if you've only just seen it, then it's just escaped, but I don't know where from."Mr Pearson believed the wallaby was of the same kind as the ones at the college, a red-necked wallaby also known as a Bennett's wallaby. Have there been any other sightings in the area? Ms Pearson said she had not heard of any wild wallaby sightings in Suffolk the 2020 research paper mapped sightings of wallabies across the UK, and it found 95 confirmed sightings between 2008 and 2018, most of which were in the south of England. There were also 64 media reports of sightings during that time. A map of their findings suggested there had been some sightings in both Norfolk and Suffolk over the years, as well as in nearby Essex, but exact locations were not mentioned. While this is the first reported wallaby sighting in some time, there were other wallaby sightings near Halstead in Essex in 2018, as well as in Glemsford in the time, it was believed they had escaped the year prior from a travelling carnival. There was also a captive wallaby named Sheila that escaped her home in Norwich in 2023, but she was later found. Is it illegal to release wallabies into the wild? It is considered illegal to release a wallaby into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act is because they are not native to the UK, and the Act protects wild animals and plants in the caught doing this could face imprisonment or a fine. What should you do if you spot the wallaby? Ms Pearson offered advice to anyone who sees the wallaby again."Try and, if possible, keep eyes on it from a distance if you can because as soon as you lose sight of it, it could be another week until someone sees it," she said."Out there in the woodlands, fields and things, it could very easily disappear quite quickly."I used to be a zookeeper, and when things like this happen, you want to know that someone can see it at all times."Keep eyes and ring maybe the RSPCA or local vet, and hopefully they can assemble a team."I wouldn't approach it; they've got a really big kick on them, which could cause you some injuries, so it's best to leave it alone." Suffolk Police also encouraged anyone who saw it to contact them. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Boost for Wenhaston garden centre after £24k raised
A specialist garden centre at risk of closure was "overwhelmed" with gratitude after residents rallied round and raised tens of thousands of of Wenhaston, in Halesworth, recently lost access to a nearby borehole that had long supplied the site, and its rare and historical collection of plants, with just half a tank of water left, the future of the facility was plunged into doubt, with owners Gillian and Jenny Stafford fearing its plants would not issuing a plea for support, the community helped the couple raise nearly £24,000 in a matter of days, money which will be used to drill and install a new borehole. "If we run dry, that's it, there is no other alternative, so it was either try to raise these funds or we will have to close the nursery," Mrs Stafford, 45, told the BBC."We knew we had good customers and some of them would support us, but we were completely overwhelmed – we are so grateful."It's just absolutely fantastic, and we are still a little bit bewildered; our heads are all over the place." The garden centre has long proved popular due to its Plant Heritage National Collection of Pelargoniums, rare Primula auriculas, and historical bearded was opened in 1991 by founder Michael Loftus before it was taken over by the Staffords in 2016, following his death four years that time, the couple have "poured everything into keeping Woottens alive", battling through the Covid-19 pandemic, serious illness and a cyber-attack. 'Given us a boost' "Running a small business can grind you down, and we don't just grow plants that are the most popular, we grow the ones that are difficult," added Mrs Stafford."But the [support from the community] has given us a boost to keep going."We are not completely out of the woods yet, but the rain in the last few days has helped." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Suicide-prevention play by INK tours Suffolk schools
A play highlighting how young people can spot signs of suicidal feelings in their friends was being toured around 15 schools and Drummer Boy was commissioned by the INK festival, based in Halesworth, follows the story of a teenage boy who appears to have it all, with the story scrolling backwards and forwards through time to reveal how his world falls apart after being dropped from a football academy. It ends on a positive note and then students have a discussion with the actors about themes in the play. Writer Rob John, who worked with mental health professionals to develop the story, said: "I had to do a huge amount of research. For many years, I was a teacher, and I kind of feel I have some kind of understanding of how young people respond to material like that, so I think that helped a bit." In the opening monologue, the main character, Jake, explained that he heard a drum beat in his head and imagined a drummer boy walking slowly towards character then appears to be talking in a counselling session, fast forwarding and rewinding to different years at school when things were going well, when he was in crisis, and eventually coming through the other characters do not ever say the word suicide, but low feelings and self-harm were alluded highly emotional at times, the piece ends with a positive tone, with Jake's final line directed at the audience asking, 'are you alright?' 'We didn't have anything like this' Actor Callum Concepcion, who plays the main character Jake, told BBC Radio Suffolk: "My brother's in secondary school now and with things like social media it's completely different to when I was in school, which was eight years ago."Getting to talk to my brother about what he's going through, and why he's finding school difficult, and some of the things that he says... I look at him and I'm like 'God you've got so much to carry, so much on your shoulders that I've never experienced'." Hattie Chapman, who plays Jake's mother and also Casey, his girlfriend, said: "When I went to school, we didn't have anything like this, there was no theatre coming in to talk about these topics, we didn't have mental health professionals talking to us."Unfortunately, I know many people that have suffered with these issues, and I think lots of us do, and I think what a difference it would have made to have this play be on in my school when I was 16." The school performances will be followed by a discussion with the cast and and support staff were also given resources to follow up on the issues raised in the Vaughan is the operational manager for early intervention child and adolescent mental health services at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation has been involved in the play's development for the last two said: "Our consultant clinical psychologist has been heavily involved in supporting the shaping and development of the play so those messages are right and relevant to young people. "We very much want to move towards working more around prevention and in communities."Demand for support through child and adolescent mental health services has significantly increased post-pandemic, so this is a real opportunity to get in at the early stage to raise awareness and to ensure young people get support before it develops into something more." If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Popular car dealership is being DEMOLISHED after 50 years to ‘breathe life' back into Victorian English town
A BELOVED car dealership is set to be completely demolished as part of a major revamp plan to "breath life" back into a Victorian English town. After an application to build a set of new homes at the site of the 50-year-old motor dealer last year, the major transformation is now moving forward. 4 4 The plans include turning the former Maltings location into apartments - while scrapping the car sales showroom off Quay Street. Bellingham Homes applied to have the 39 new properties built at the former MR King & Sons car dealership last June. They will now be constructed in the Victorian English town of Halesworth. Planning documents revealed that the huge overhaul will represent a "harmonious marriage of past and present". It also said the new homes would preserve the "historic fabric" of the Halesworth conservation area. Revised drawings of the plans have been submitted to the council. A construction and demolition plan have also been filed, as the proposal continues to move forward. The groundbreaking plan for the site's layout shows four one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, five three-bedroom, and one four-bedroom properties across the new development. Bulldozers will soon move in to tear down a showroom, two workshops and an extension at the Maltings site as part of the major housing revamp. The first ten homes will be built at the front of the site during phase two of the plans. World's thinnest car measuring just 19in wide that's skinnier than a motorbike is unveiled… & it works if you can fit in The old Maltings building is set to be converted into 29 more in the final stage. Other revisions from the original application include a new secure gate positions. And different window positions have also been proposed to avoid overlooking nearby properties. The application initially raised concerns surrounding the lack of parking space, increased traffic, and the impact on nearby health centres. But since the revised drawings, one public comment has been received in support of the bid. It said: "This is an excellent scheme for a long despoiled area used by a car dealership and garage and will breathe life into a historic feature of Victorian Halesworth. "It will be an asset to the town's infrastructure and ambience". Council officials will make a decision in due course. 4
