Anne

Since ever I can remember I have always had a passion for wildlife. Whilst spending almost my entire working life in construction i have been able to combine aspects of my design to incorporate and respect wildlife and the environment. I see a lot of suffering and thoughtless destruction of the spectacular wildlife that we share our planet with. I encounter wildlife injuries that at best occur through our carelessness and ignorance and at worst through deliberate cruelty.
The hierarchy of wildlife in some people's minds enables them to poison a bug yet preserve a deer. The simple facts are if we destroy our insects there will be no deer or indeed no us.

I have always cared for our wildlife and over the last twenty years have seen a steady increase in sick animals. By sick I mean weak and suffering wildlife that has been poisoned directly or indirectly. Science and studies show us that these symptoms can relate to toxin build up from pesticides. They cause a suppression of the immune system and therefore an inability to fight any illness.

I will continue to care for wildlife on the front line and give our spectacular wildlife a second chance. Simple injuries can kill a creature in the harshness of the wild and often a few days rest and TLC will be enough to see them given that vital second chance.

We must create a greater understanding of the creatures around us that live with us in a natural balance. The school projects, which I personally love, reach the children that will inevitable control our planet. My hope and belief is that they will explore this issue at a young age. as I did, and that the awareness of it will stay with them for life when they become custodians of our planet. I hope that they will help preserve this wonderful plant and it spectacular wildlife far into the future.

With species in the 20th century ashamedly extinct or facing extinction we all need to do our part to encourage understanding and balance through knowledge of our truly extraordinary and unique wildlife, I am doing my part.

Things I excel at.............
Caring for orphans whilst preparing for responsible release and full integration into wild and getting the job done.

Not so good at.....................
Typing too fast and not reading through after, remembering what sex the creatures are, in fact memory in general and Time keeping is pretty poor.

Hazel

Hazel has had a life long passion for wildlife since her parents were well known around their home area as the place to take orphaned and injured wildlife. So Hazel grew up thinking it was quite normal to have an apron with pockets full of baby squirrels and to go to the airing cupboard to find “smalls” of the furry kind as well as laundry.

With a background of both parents being nature photographers, maternal grandfather and one uncle being naturalists and authors, and both paternal grandparents and one uncle, vets (Gran being first female to qualify as a vet in the UK), it is no wonder she has combined wildlife with veterinary work.

Hazel has a degree in Zoology, 11 years experience in private practice and 7 years in a large wildlife hospital as a veterinary nurse.

Things I excels at………..Miraculously mending fractured wings! Suturing wounds and persuading recalcitrant orphans to feed. Keeping calm.

Things I am not so good at………Suffering fools gladly - well not so much fools as gross ignorance. Prefers to be behind the scenes than ‘meeting and greeting' the public.

Kate

I have always loved animals. We've had mice, hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs and more at home before I could walk and to live without them would be insane to think about!
I first found out about Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in August. Graduating the year before I had no clue what I wanted to do (still don't!), but I wanted to help out any way I could with animals. Since volunteering here, I've learned more about the state of our wildlife here in the UK. I'am an avid reader and I am always on the computer; so I'am beginning to find more information about our wildlife both here, and out across the globe.

I want to help more with our wildlife, but I know it's more than taking in and looking after a lost or sick animal. It's about being aware of all the problems that can affect our ecosystem and keeping up with the program!

Things I Excel at....................
Research and writing – I graduated in Media Studies and English Writing; I had to be good at that!
I'm pretty good on the computer, and love to sketch out cartoons in my spare time.



Things I'm not good at...........................
Finding my keys! I also tend to be a bit lazy in the mornings if I don't have to be anywhere!
Not so good at sport either… but we can't be good at everything!

Sally- Ann

My parents moved to Norfolk from Essex just before I was born. I grew up in a little village near Norwich about 15 mins from both the Norfolk Broads and the nearest Beach. My Primary school was very keen to teach us all about the local Wildlife and used to take us on regular field trips and days out teaching us all about the nature that surrounded us and my mum used to take in local injured/ abandoned wildlife and teach my sister and I how to handle the animals and young birds - she has always had a love and understanding of all animals and now makes fabric nose bands for WSPA to help prevent the working horses/ donkeys suffering cuts and grazes to their noses from their harnesses.

Our home life was loving, kind and filled with numerous pets. At one point we had 2 cats (one of which was a stray, she had appeared on my parents door step in Essex and never left!) 9 Guinea pigs, 3 rabbits, numerous fish, various hamsters and 3 dogs (one mad but gentle Springer Spaniel and 2 rescued dogs which had a various "issues" - they first brought my attention to the plight of so many abused and abandoned animals, not just physical injuries but emotional scars too) Not to mention the hundreds of birds outside, I think the whole Sparrow population currently resides in my parents back garden!!

When I moved to Surrey 2 years ago with my Fiance I felt very unsettled, I adored the Surrey Countryside (totally different to the flat landscapes of Norfolk) but I missed having animals in the house - it is difficult to have pets when you are both out at work all day and although we soon created a Wildlife hot spot in our garden and were visited daily by friendly Squirrels, Slow worms, various Birds and a completely adorable Woodmouse, I still felt a bit lost... I found the house so empty that we adopted a Hamster and he must be the most spoilt animal in Lightwater! But I still longed for more and I felt motivated to lead by example and do some volunteer work. I found the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue website and I contacted Anne. I started to collect old newspapers from my colleagues at work and I now volunteer whenever I can as Harper Asprey stands for everything I believe in and is now very close to my heart. If only more people would take the time to notice how wonderful our Wildlife really is and to appreciate it.

Things I excel at.....
Communication / People skills - I studied Media studies at college, worked as a "Runner" for the local news and was a Media assistant for the Press Office at Snetterton circuit (Motorsport, especially F3, is my other passion, although animals will always come first!) and I now work for an IT company in Guildford and work with many different levels of staff/ management and I am confident and will chat away to anyone, even if I have only known them 30 seconds!


Things I am not so good at:
I am useless at sitting still and if f there is music there is no hope, I just have to have a boogie! I am also easily distracted - my mind wanders! but I promise I am listening and I will absorb all the information even if I am looking out the window at a low flying Woodpecker!

Karen being updated

Gary

I like all the wildlife that comes in; My favorites are the young squirrel. I became particularly attached to Emily a tiny fawn who came to us as an orphan. I am experienced and brilliant joiner and am able to help here by creating unique cages. The best bit is seeing them go free. I am single and looking for a nice girlfriend.

Things I excel at.............
Building cages and adapting them for the needs of the inmates Talking and drinking at the same time.


Things I am not so good at.....................
Terrified of Snakes and I have nightmares about being chased by Badger and peacocks.

Ray

My profession is a chartered builder, but my passion is wildlife.
Ever since watching David Attenborough on the telly when I was a mere fledgling I have had an interest in life on our planet.
The word WILDLIFE is a misnomer, in fact most 'wildlife' are timid and vulnerable creatures. Mankind is the only species that has compassion within its make-up. I believe in using this to help all creatures on this planet. Although we should wherever leave nature to run its true course I feel that mankind has in many circumstances disrupted that natural way of things and therefore should help to re-address the balance wherever possible.
My involvement with the HAWR is I hope helping in some small way in taking sick animals and returning them healthy and fit back to their natural habitat and thus giving some input towards promoting our wildlife towards a sustainable future in their natural environment.

Although I must admit it is great just to hold any one of sick creatures when helping them back to health. Completely an unnatural part of the the natural scheme of life - but its a big bonus.
At home I have 'adopted' a family of door mice. Every night they scuttle from the shed to the greenhouse and back. Much to the annoyance of my cat who watches for hours on end but never sees them.

Things I excell at :- being patient, solving problems,

Not so good at :- lazing around doing nothing

Sandra

I just love animals, they are an important part of our world and when I left school I really wanted to be a vet but unfortunately it was not meant to be. I hate and despise all forms of hunting and cruelty; I fail to see what pleasure is gained by hurting something that it living, I just don't understand their mentality. In fact I prefer animals because they have always responded to a little kindness. Unfortunately mankind takes and never thinks about the consequences of their actions which is why our planet is in such a mess. I have started telling my grandchildren about our wildlife and the importance of preserving what we have, although they are very young I think they should be made aware, they are our next generation.

I found Harper Asprey Wildlife and Anne after making several telephone calls regarding a sick fox. Without hesitation Anne came to help and gave advice. It was great to find someone who is so dedicated and gifted, I have learnt a lot about our wildlife, it made me think that I might be able to help. My family have always thought me a bit strange and all have now agreed that I have lost the plot – GOOD.

Things I excel at - not sure but will give 200% when asked and do anything. I am dedicated and will try not to let people down.

Not so good at

I am impatient, tend to go on and on but that's because I am passionate about what I do, can get on people's nerves and drive them mad, well that's in keeping with what my family think anyway.

Ross being updated

Ross being updated

Chris being updated

Jade being updated

John being updated