Sarah Jones

Pet food banks in Wiltshire and the West of England are running low on donations as the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on both pet owners and supporters. Salisbury Foodbank manager Maria Stevenson says some people, particularly older users, prioritise feeding their animals over feeding themselves. Vicki Bye describes relying on a pet food bank during a period of severe financial hardship and is now fundraising for it. Bath Cats and Dogs Home also reports reduced dog-food donations, partly because dog food has become more expensive and donors may choose cheaper cat-food multipacks instead.

Joshua James and Jake Hutchings have been charged nearly a year after an alleged racially aggravated assault on Sarah Street in Lawrence Hill, Bristol. Police said two men were injured, one seriously, after allegedly being racially abused and assaulted while moving their car. Hutchings has appeared in court and was bailed to Bristol Crown Court, while James faces an additional charge of possessing an offensive weapon. Concerns about the initial police response were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which decided Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department should investigate locally after the criminal proceedings conclude.

Avon Wildlife Trust has acquired the 44-acre Ebdon Farm near Wick St Lawrence, North Somerset, after receiving a £5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The former dairy farm will be converted into a climate-resilient wetland and nature reserve supporting bats, newts, kingfishers, wading birds and waterfowl. Construction is due to begin in autumn, with the reserve eventually opening to the public and serving as a local site for nature recovery, climate adaptation and community access to nature.

Avon Wildlife Trust has bought the 44-acre Ebdon Farm near Wick St Lawrence in North Somerset after receiving a £5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The former dairy farm will be transformed into a climate-resilient wetlands and nature reserve, with work beginning in autumn to create habitats for bats, newts, kingfishers, wading birds and waterfowl. The trust describes the project as its largest initiative and aims to support wildlife, local farmers and communities while exploring the effects of climate change at a local level.