Town's urban jungle on TV

WARRINGTON’S wildlife and some of its many wildlife enthusiasts will be featured in a BBC1 TV programme called “Urban Jungle” on Thursday August 1 at 7pm.
The town was chosen ahead of several other places in the North West because of its reputation as an example of where passionate people played a keen and active role in Nature Conservation.
Helen Lacy, Warrington Borough Council’s natural environment officer and secretary of the Warrington Nature Conservation Forum (WNCF) said: “This all came about very quickly when one of our WNCF members forwarded on an email from the programme’s producer asking for urban wildlife filming suggestions.
“He came up to scope out possible options and was impressed with what he saw. It’s a real coup for our town and a testimony to the crucial work that goes on here.”
Wildlife presenter David Lindo and a crew filmed at various locations throughout Warrington.
Viewers of the small screen will get to meet at least four friends of WNCF and see how they go about doing their voluntary work, monitoring and protecting the town’s precious wildlife.
Appearing in the programme will be Virginia Jones, from Warrington Hedgehog Rescue, who has recently rescued some very tiny hoglets.
Brian Martin, WNCF member, will be seen talking about a swift colonies at Westy.
He is a renowned expert on swifts having conducted annual studies for many years.
Hayley Percival will be seen with the Manchester Peregrine Project and Jane Cullen from Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group who will talk about the town’s badgers and the issues they face.
She said: “The film crew were lovely and it was an excellent opportunity for us all to tell people what great wildlife we have.”
Julia Clayton, a volunteer at the hog recue centre, added: “The crew were great, especially Dave the presenter. They were all amazed by the hoglets.”
WNCF chairman Geoff Settle said: “It’s great to see the hard work these wildlife enthusiasts have put in over the years captured by the BBC.”
More details of WNCF can be found at the website
www.warrington.gov.uk/info/200795/parks_and_green_spaces/60/nature_conservation
Pictures: TV presenter David Lindon interviewing Brian Martin and the six rescued hoglets.