'Abandoned' baby wild animals

Every year wildlife rescue centres become full to capacity with baby animals, brought in by well-meaning people who believe they have been abandoned. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority are asking you to think twice and seek advice before picking up lone young wildlife.

Juvenile Swallow

Please not to touch young animals unless they are in imminent danger; watch from a distance before presuming the worst. More often than not the parents are not far away and their best chance of survival is to stay in the wild.

If absolutely necessary move it to a safer location close by; for example if there is a fledgling on a path, it can be ushered off to one side into nearby brambles or grass without touching it and then leave it for the parents to find.

For further information visit the RSPCA and RSPB websites.

Image courtesy of Fera

Ash Die-back

You may have heard about Ash Die-back, which is caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea.

At Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, we conduct regular tree audits as part of best practice in tree management and we are vigilant for the signs of the disease.

Visitors should report signs of Ash Die-back disease to the Forestry Commission by ringing the Chalara helpline on 08459 33 55 77 (08:00-18:00 every day) or email: plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

The Forestry Commission website contains essential information that will help in identifying the disease including a video and images.