Benny the beluga whale forces firework display postponement

Council in Kent told that disturbing the whale would breach wildlife law

Kevin Rawlinson

Fri 19 Oct 2018 22.18 BSTLast modified on Fri 19 Oct 2018 22.39 BST

It has attracted plenty of spectators during its stay. But Benny the lost beluga whale, who took up residence in the Thames last month, may end up leaving the crowds disappointed after it was announced that a fireworks display would have to be postponed to protect him.

About 15,000 people were expected to gather for the annual bonfire night celebrations in Gravesend, Kent, on 2 November to see a display set off from a barge on the river.

However, council officials said on Friday that they had been advised to put back the event until the whale, who was first sighted in the Thames more than three weeks ago, left the area.

“While we understand this is also disappointing to the thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy our fantastic fireworks display every year, we have to ensure our special visitor is kept safe and well,” said David Turner, the leader of Gravesham borough council.

Continued

Porpoise 'pelted with stones' by yobs in Gravesend canal basin

by Thom Morris

Yobs have thrown stones at a harbour porpoise that swam into the canal basin at Gravesend, it has been claimed.

They are said to have pelted the animal last night as it awaited the opening of the gates.

The stone throwing has now been reported to the Kent Police wildlife crimes unit.

Onlookers gathered as the harbour porpoise was spotted in the canal basin yesterday afternoon.

The mammal swam through the open gate but refused to leave.

Attempts to move the creature back out failed until 5am today when it was high tide again.

Continued: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend_messenger/news/2013/april/30/porpoise_in_gravesend.aspx

And when the malicious spawn are caught, throw them in a swimming pool and throw stones at them.  

Dartford and Gravesend families encouraged to get involved in autumn survey

A WILDLIFE charity is encouraging families in Dartford and Gravesend to make the most of autumn and get involved in their latest survey.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) launched its Changes through Autumn survey last month.

It encourages families to record the types of fungi and wildlife they see in parks and gardens near their home.

Participants then enter their results on the RSPB website where they will be collated to provide the charity with an insight into how wildlife responds to the change in season.

RSPB south-east spokeswoman Samantha Stokes said: “Getting children inspired by nature at an early age is really important if we want them to care about the environment and conservation in the future.

“The more children and families that take part in Wildsquare, the clearer the picture we can get of our autumn wildlife.” Visit rspb.org.uk/wildsquare before October 31.

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/9956538.Dartford_and_Gravesend_families_encouraged_to_get_involved_in_autumn_survey/