Latest news with #OliverFry
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
06-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Important' to care for Surrey hedgehogs, say conservation groups
Surrey wildlife groups are urging people to make sure their gardens are welcoming to Awareness Week, an annual campaign by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, runs until 10 Brummer, founder of Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in Windlesham, said hedgehogs "get to know an area really well so it's really important that we look after the hedgehogs in our local area".Oliver Fry, of Surrey Wildlife Trust, told BBC Radio Surrey hedgehog numbers "are down substantially" in recent years. Hedgehogs can be supported by ensuring gardens are not "too tidy" as they like to hide in leaves, foliage, and under sheds, said Mr added that cutting small holes in the bottom of fences will "enable the prickly little characters to move around unimpeded, and they'll help you out by eating your slugs as they go about their business". 'What's not to love?' Ms Brummer said native flowers can attract food for hedgehogs as can places for them to drink, but that it was important to make sure hedgehogs have a means of escape from water if they fall uncovered drains, and gardening tools can all be hazards for hedgehogs, she added."It's important to look after them because they are really cool," she said."They only do good to our garden, they get rid of all the slugs and bugs and things that gardeners don't like in there, and they are just the most beautiful little things you can imagine. What's not to love about them?"Mr Fry added: "They are wonderful creatures and it is such a pleasure to see them in your garden."
