A family of eight Greater Horseshoe bats have been discovered during an ecological survey at a derelict stables in West Sussex.
The family of Greater Horseshoe bats, called a founder colony, free-hang from the rafters of a derelict stables Photo: Martyn Phillis/BBC
Wildlife charities the Sussex Bat Group and the Vincent Wildlife Trust are now fundraising to restore the site to protect and increase future breeding.
The exact location of the founder colony is being kept secret.
Dr Stephanie Murphy from the Sussex Bat Group said: “We’ve had confirmed bats from the Dorset colony come to West Sussex to hibernate.”
So far, the group has raised over £6,000 to restore the stables and hopes to fundraise further to turn it into a maternity unit for the species in Sussex in future years.
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Admissions in Surrey are at their highest levels since February, but the variant has increased Covid-related absences by 25% in recent weeks.
There were 1,722 Surrey NHS staff absent due to sickness or self-isolation on Boxing Day. Temporary workers are being drafted in, and staff redeployed to critical areas.
A Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership (HCP) spokesman told the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Due to high levels of demand for care and staff sickness we continue to prioritise critical services, such as emergency and cancer care. Unfortunately this means some non-urgent elective procedures may need to be rescheduled so we can prioritise patients who have more urgent needs.”
NHS England figures show 1,471 confirmed Covid-19 patients in hospital in the South East on Tuesday, the highest number since February. It is nearly double the number of hospitalisations from when the first case of Omicron in Surrey was confirmed on 2 December. However, hospitalisation levels in the South East were much higher last winter, with 5,577 in hospital beds on 13 January.
Dr Claire Fuller, senior responsible officer for Surrey Heartlands HCP, said: “We know getting fully vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
“We would encourage anyone due for their Covid vaccine or booster to get booked in.”
Visitation rules across hospitals in the county is also changing. Some require visitors to be vaccinated, show proof of a negative lateral flow, and to book in advance.
Some also refuse visitors who do not or cannot wear a mask, or only allow visitors to certain wards.
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Eight years after being taken from the front garden of her home, Sussex Police have helped return Cassie the cocker-spaniel back to her rightful home.
Cassie Photo: Sussex Police
Officers from the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team captured the moment Cassie and her owners were reunited. They conducted a number of raids in November looking for a stolen dog along with the RSPCA and Trading Standards following a tip off from a member of the public.
Cassie was safely located along with some puppies who are thought to be hers. A spokesperson for the family said: “We are so thankful to have our Cassie back home, after 8 years since being separated from her. Cassie has settled in very well and is enjoying her daily dog walks. As for the three puppies, they have all gone to good homes and are loving their new set family life. It’s a priceless Christmas present to us as a family and we want this to bring hope to others who have had their dog lost or stolen. Finally, we would like to thank the Police and everyone involved in helping us retain Cassie and her puppies back to us”
Sussex Police Rural Crime Team Inspector Oliver Fisher said: “As is often the case, it was useful information from the public that assisted us and we are grateful to them as ever for coming forward. Dogs can go missing on occasion, but it is extremely rare for dogs to be stolen. I would like to reassure the many thousands of dog owners in the county that with simple precautions, you need not fear this crime. I would encourage all dog owners to microchip their dogs, keep an up to date photo of the dog, and in the event that it goes missing, inform the microchip company and supply the police with a photo. We recognise the impact a stolen pet can have on a family which is why part of the team’s remit is to investigate stolen dogs. In recent months we have recovered stolen dogs, and also assisted the RSPCA in seizing puppies being kept in appalling conditions in puppy farms.“
The pandemic has seen a rise in people owning pets as a companion, however this has unfortunately seen a rise in criminals stealing animals to sell on or breed.
Puppies believed to be Cassie’s Photo: Sussex Police
Insp Fisher added: “The inflated prices of puppies has resulted in unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs purely for profit. I would urge anyone considering buying a puppy to think carefully about who they buy from. Insist on seeing the home where the puppies and mother are kept. Does the mother look healthy? Are the conditions acceptable? Prospective buyers who turn a blind eye to irresponsible breeders not only perpetuate the suffering of animals but risk buying a puppy with significant health issues, which can be costly to treat and sometimes fatal. If you have concerns about the welfare of the dogs please inform the RSPCA. Should you have any information relating to a stolen dog, please contact us on 101.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We assisted police officers as they executed warrants following information related to a stolen dog and were pleased to recover Cassie – and three puppies – and return her to her owners who were absolutely thrilled to have her home after so many years. The demand for pets has surged in recent years, particularly during lockdown and, as such, it appears that pet theft has become rife. Therefore we’d urge owners to take some simple steps to help keep their dogs safe:
• Get your pet microchipped and keep your details up-to-date;
• Get your pet neutered to make them less desirable for breeding;
• Ensure your home and garden is secure with gates locked;
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car or tied up outside a shop;
• Teach your pet a reliable recall and ensure they do not stray too far when walking off-lead.
“If you believe your pet may have been stolen please alert the police as soon as possible.”
After nervously being reacquainted with her family home, Cassie and her puppies are now living happily in their forever homes.
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Crawley Town Football Club have confirmed defender Joel Lynch has signed a new 18-month contract with the club.
Lynch’s original deal expired on the 3rd of January, having joined the club in September. Since his arrival at The People’s Pension Stadium, Lynch has made nine appearances, scoring two goals from centre-back. Joel was most recently involved in the 3-1 victory against Colchester United, where he scored Crawley’s second goal of the afternoon.
After signing his new deal Lynch said: “It has been a long time coming to be fair, my first contract was short so I am delighted to get a new one sorted. It is exactly what I wanted, it is home for me and I have really enjoyed my time here so far.”
Manager John Yems said: “Joel spent a lot of time with us and earned his contract, he’s worked hard and has had a top career. He’s been a great influence around the place and will be a brilliant addition for a further 18 months, he’s a lad that brings a lot of professionalism to the club.”
Chief Executive Erdem Konyar said: “I’m delighted that Lynchy has signed to stay on for another 18 months at the club. He is an important influence on and off the pitch.”
You can watch Joel Lynch and John Yems’ press conference here:
Photo and video: Crawley Town FC
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