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West Berkshire's 'bird lady' aims to educate others




Woman's bird rescue sanctuary goes from strength to strength

SHE’S been called the ‘bird lady of West Berkshire’.

It is an affectionate phrase that brings a smile to the face of Aimee Wallis – but her passion for all things avian is serious.

The 34-year-old started a small wild bird rescue sanctuary at the back of The Red House pub, Marsh Benham in 2014, and saved 84 birds in the first year alone.

She is often seen on the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal feeding the pigeons and just this week was called upon to deal with a rogue swan who was patrolling the Market Place.

This year she is planning on expanding her sanctuary – which is currently home to 25 birds, specialising in corvids, crows, jackdaws, rooks and jays – and also wants to use her considerable experience to educate others.

Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News, she said: “I’ve been rescuing now for four-and-a-half years.

“My aim is to raise awareness of just how clever these birds are and eradicate the myths of a crow being a bad omen, instead promote its clever and cheeky nature.

“I’m also a big fan of pigeons and they definitely don’t deserve the bad reputation they hold. They helped to win us the war.

“So I will be starting talks in schools with my permanent resident birds, ones that can’t be released back to the wild, such as my tame pigeon Rubin and Oreo my blind jackdaw, as well as my very clever crow Cloud.

“I’ve also just been given some more land to rent at the back of The Red House, so this will mean I can expand and rescue more British wild birds.

“In spring children will be able to see baby birds being fed, of all species from a robin to a crow, or even a raptor, like a kite or buzzard.”

When asked when her passion started, she added: “I’ve always rescued all animals from a really young age – from hedgehogs to woodpeckers. My grandmother absolutely loved animals, so I think I got that from her.

“I’ve been called the bird lady and even crazy bird lady, but I’d like to think that’s in an affectionate way.”

Ms Wallis says she is always on the lookout for volunteers to help. If you are interested, she can be contacted on (01635) 551043.



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