Get knitting to help RSPB centre raise funds

A series of dog attacks at the end of last year left 50 of Saltholme’s sheep dead and many more requiring ongoing veterinary care. The Saltholme team is asking members of the public to knit toy sheep in the run-up to a knit-a-thon event this weekend, which the reserve can then sell to raise funds.

David Braithwaite, RSPB Saltholme site manager, said: “The attacks on the sheep were devastating for our staff and volunteers, but they have also left us with a financial burden. Our insurers will be covering some, but unfortunately not all of the costs, and that’s where this idea could make a huge difference.”

Alison Tough, one of the reserve’s residential volunteers, has worked closely with the flock during her time there, and came up with the fundraising idea.

She said; “We’ve all been doing extra hours looking after the injured sheep, but I wanted to do more. And that’s when the idea struck me; a knit-a-thon is the perfect way to raise money to help cover the costs.”

For people looking for something with a competitive edge, there will also be the knit-a-thon event where people can pit their skills against each other to see who can produce the longest scarf in three hours: there will be dedicated time slots to sign up to, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

To take part, contact Alison via e-mail [email protected].

For more information on RSPB Saltholme, which is situated near the mouth of the River Tees between Billingham and Seaton Carew, visit www.rspb.org.uk/saltholme.