Every day, birds and mammals are injured when they become entangled in the plastic rings that hold together packs of tin cans. After they are thrown away many find their way to open rubbish tips, causing birds and mammals to get their legs and bodies entangled. Sadly, in many cases this can be fatal. A simple way to prevent this from happening is simply to cut through the plastic rings before throwing them away. Such a quick and simple action could well save a bird or mammal from this life threatening ordeal.

Birds are frequently injured when they become entangled in the nylon cord that washes up on our beaches. This cord comes from fishing nets and other marine sources, and is non-biodegradable (meaning it does not rot away). Birds and mammals get their legs and bodies entangled in this cord, which in many cases can prove fatal. Every time you pick this cord up from from our beaches (and anywhere else it may be found), you could well be saving a bird or mammal from encountering this life threatening situation.

Birds are frequently injured by discarded balloons, either by becoming entangled in their cords or by swallowing the balloons when they have become flat. Floating on water, a flat balloon can appear to look like a jellyfish to a seabird, but when ingested it can prove fatal. At Brent Lodge, we are constantly seeing the tragic outcomes that loose balloons can have on our wildlife. You can help by not releasing balloons into the environment, and by picking up and safely disposing of any loose balloon that you may come across outside.

Discarded fishing tackle is extremely hazardous to birds and mammals. They get their wings and limbs caught up in fishing lines, sometimes remaining entangled for days until starvation or infection ends their life. Fishing hooks are swallowed by waterfowl causing days of intense suffering which often results in death. If you notice any discarded lines or hooks, please pick them up and dispose of safely.

If you are redoing your guttering, please first check to ensure that no birds or mammals have made a home under your eaves! Birds, bats and mammals often make their homes in and around your roof, and can become trapped inside if their access is closed by your maintenance!

From a horticulture point of view, cutting trees and hedges in the spring should usually be avoided. However, if you do need to wield the saw or pair of loppers in the spring, please be sure to check for nesting birds first! We receive many chicks at Brent Lodge whose nests have been destroyed when the tree or hedge they were constructed in was chopped to pieces by an unaware gardener.

Birds and mammals can easily become trapped in tins of paint or creosote that have been left open. Besides the immediate danger of entrapment and/or drowning, falling into a tin can also be fatal for birds due to ingestion of the contents whilst attempting to preen. Please be sure always to replace the lid on tins when left unattended, even if they are empty.

Mesh bags of nuts should be avoided when possible, as these can cause birds to get their limbs caught up and broken. Nuts purchased in such mesh bags should really be emptied into a proper purpose-built bird feeder.

Threads of cotton, nylon string and elastic bands can lead to serious injury and illness for birds and mammals when discarded in the environment. We've all done it: you notice a loose thread of cotton on your clothing, so you pull it off and drop it on the ground. It seems harmless enough, but we don't realise that birds tend to collect this material and build it into their nests. This causes the baby chicks to become entangled which quite often proves fatal. The same is true of elastic bands, which can also be consumed by some birds and mammals after being mistaken for worms.

Broken glass poses an obvious and severe threat to mammals and birds who may step on it, including us human beings! Always be sure to dispose of anything made of glass properly; glass bottles and jars should be taken to a "bottle bank" wherever possible. NEVER discard anything made of glass outside. If you see broken glass laying around, try to ensure that it presents as little danger as possible -- dispose of it in a nearby litter bin if you can. Be careful not to cut yourself!

Discarded cartons such as those from McDonald's "McFlurry" deserts pose a serious hazard to hedgehogs. Once they put their heads into the cup to get at any remaining ice cream, they become trapped by the plastic lid and cannot escape. Please be sure to place your cartons in a litter bin, and pick up any that you notice on the ground.

As we all know, cats are naturally inclined to hunt birds. Therefore, it is important to be aware that cats may visit your garden so that you can take steps to discourage them from preying on the bird population. Try to ensure that your bird table/feeders/baths and any food you place on the ground are well away from shrubs, bushes or fences, as cats can use these for cover whilst hunting. Bird houses/feeders should be placed as high as possible, and preferably surrounded by thorny bushes or rolled up chicken wire.

Where possible, bird houses should be fitted with an extended entry port. These are metal tubes that are attached over the entry point, which serve to prevent cats and other predators from gaining access to the birds inside. They also prevent animals such as squirrels from gnawing the entry hole in an attempt to enlarge it enough to get in and steal those eggs.

If you see a young bird in any danger, place it in a nearby tree (if it's not in immediate danger, it is far better to merely keep an eye on the baby bird and to leave it well alone; It's parents are probably nearby).

Keeping your feline friend inside at dusk, dawn and, if possible, overnight serves to drastically reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that he or she may otherwise naturally inflict. A bell attached to your cat's collar will serve to alert birds and mammals of his or her impending arrival.

If you really have no alternative but to use a strimmer, then it is vitally important to check long grass and foliage beforehand. The best way to do this is to carefully rake through long grass. Dense undergrowth may be rigorously checked with a stick prior to strimming. Always keep your eyes open for animals; be aware.

Many people do not consider that there may be hedgehogs or other wildlife residing in that long grass before using their strimmer. Please help to reduce the number of accidents by spreading the word. Remember: If you really must use a strimmer, check for animals first, then proceed with caution.