A wildlife rescue group has been established in Warsop by a family in memory of their late bird enthusiast father, father-in-law, and grandfather, reports Phoebe Cox.

Warsop Wildlife Rescue Team (WWRT) is a small group of dedicated volunteers who assist the community with wildlife concerns.

The team was founded by brother and sister Glenn Slaney and Becky Cotton — children of the late Robert Slaney, known by many people as Warsop’s resident birdman.

Robert was well known for his love of animals, particularly birds. He regularly went on early morning trips, bird ringing across the country with other bird enthusiasts.

Bird ringing, also known as bird banding, involves attaching a small, numbered metal or plastic tag to a bird’s leg or wing to help ornithologists study the bird’s life history and movements.

Becky said her father was a frequent walker on The Carrs in Warsop, and always took care of injured wildlife, spending hours observing the park’s natural habitat.

Following Robert’s death, his family received permission to bury his ashes under a memorial tree, close to a bench dedicated to the beloved birdman in a corner of the park.

Becky and Glenn said it was fitting for their father to remain a part of The Carrs, with a tree where birds can feed.

And as his children share his love for wildlife, after Robert’s passing they decided the best way to honour his legacy was to continue it. Warsop Wildlife Rescue Team is made up of Robert’s family, including his grandchildren.

The service operates throughout the week. When possible Glenn and his partner, Beth Potts, along with Becky and her husband, Simon Cotton, go out to calls in the area, helping a variety of wildlife, from pigeons and birds of prey to hedgehogs, swans, and mice.

Talia Cotton, Becky and Simon’s 16-year-old daughter, is showcasing her family’s passion for animals by assisting with the rescue work — and aspires to become a vet for exotic animals.

Becky said: “It’s wonderful to continue dad’s work as a family. It’s a way to honour his memory and carry on his passion.

“Both of us have cherished memories of him with various animals, especially birds of all species.”

Glenn added: “A love for animals must be in our genes, clearly. As for our rescue work, no two days are the same.

“Some days are busier than others. We never know what to expect, but we always try to help, however we can.

“Even when I am working, I always factor in rescues during the day and divert if needed.”

The family clarified that although they are happy to help animals outside of the Warsop parish, their service is primarily for Warsop and the surrounding areas.

Anyone wanting help should call one of the volunteers — Glenn on 07709 784549, Becky on 07940 247437, Beth on 07521 437250, and Simon on 07368 126444 — and arrange a drop-off at one of their homes.

People can support the team by following its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560170044880

They can also visit the group’s Amazon wish list at https://shorturl.at/M56bI – where any listed item can be bought through an Amazon account and delivered directly to the volunteers, aiding their rescue and rehabilitation work.

This article has been reproduced with the permission of the Mansfield Chad.