Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre

We are pleased to announce that one of our longest serving

volunteers , Peter Jennings, has recieved an MBE medal

in the Queens birthday honours list for work with youth

Peter recieving his medal from the Lord Lieutenant of Newcastle.

Concern for animals at Kielder27 July 2009

By NEWS REPORTER

THE owner of Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre has voiced concern for his animals' welfare following a second break in.

In the early hours of Sunday, July 26, mesh fencing surrounding
the centre was cut with wire cutters for the second time in eight weeks, resulting in the escape of two wallabies.

Already this year, an escaped wallaby lost its life after it too escaped through a hole in the fence.

However, in this instance, the mother and baby hadn't gone far and were caught and returned home safely the following day.

The centre's owner, Ray Lowden, said: "We are distraught that someone
would commit such a mindless and cruel crime.

"If this continues, more animals will die as they cannot look after themselves outside our facility.

"The baby wallaby that was safely retuned to the centre this time is
an albino - they're very rare and not many people would get the opportunity to see such a special creature otherwise.

"He has some scrapes but his mum is looking after him, we can only pray this doesn't happen again."

The centre, which is based at Northumbrian Water's Leaplish Waterside
Park, has reported the incident to Northumbria Police.

Ray added: "If anyone has any information regarding this incident I urge them to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 or they can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre is a popular attraction within Kielder Water & Forest Park and the local community is stunned.

Elisabeth Rowark, Kielder Partnership director, said: "It's a miracle
these two were caught. We're so happy they're safe as our visitors love them."

The centre cares for a whole host of birds including owls, falcons and vultures as well as two fallow deer, two wallabies, guinea pigs and red squirrels.

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to
the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was recently voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

For more information visit www.visitkielder.com

KIELDER OSPREY WATCH

Until 26th July 2009.

Gizmo our European eagle owl can now be seen in the new 

Barker and Stonehouse ad.

LANTRA AWARD'S.

We have just been successful in becoming the Approved Administration Point for the Lantra Awards in the North East, and Ray becoming a Lantra Assesser. More details to follow.