Author Archives: Ian

2020 was without doubt the worst year for pollution incidents affecting waterways and wildfowl in the West Midlands area that I have ever known in nearly 25 years of rescue. It ended with two appalling incidents, on the Titford canal … Continue reading →

As we continue to see total apathy from Sandwell council regards taking action about the problems involving serious water pollution in its pools via Seven Trent Water’s failed monitoring and abilities to prevent this, it appears that those at the … Continue reading →

Back in August, I gave an update on what little was happening about the situation with the contaminated pools in Smethwick. Essentially this is Victoria park and Smethwick Hall park. The latter of course we know to be contaminated with … Continue reading →

  As part of our lockdown litter campaign, we wrote to the four leaders of the Black country local authorities. The letter can be read here. This is the second formal response that I have had from the four borough leaders, … Continue reading →

This post reveals two things. That Birmingham City Council do not care about wildlife in its parks, which I knew already, and that angling in this area is uncontrolled and results in the death of wildlife, which I also know … Continue reading →

  Three years ago, this blog revealed that Sandwell council were making virtually nothing from fishing on its pools.  Despite stating on its website that certain pools could be fished, and that there were various charges for doing so, an … Continue reading →

  As part of our lockdown litter campaign, we wrote to the four leaders of the Black country local authorities. The letter can be read here. I am very pleased to report a very positive response from Councillor Ian Brookfield … Continue reading →

  It’s unfortunate that this borough has a political situation at present which rivals its many toxic swamps. In the chaos of the single infighting group and their childish squabbles, who are split into two bitter warring camps, this means … Continue reading →

  As part of the #lockdownlitter campaign to raise awareness concerning the damage caused to wildlife by lost and discarded litter associated with this activity, we wrote to the leaders of the four Black country Local authorities, Dudley- councillor Patrick … Continue reading →

  This month we have been raising issues relating to angling litter and the problems that it causes every year for wildfowl and rescuers. The leaflet below is a collaboration between Swanwatch and Scared Animal Wildlife Rescue, and shows some … Continue reading →