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The blackcap is being seen in in- creasing numbers in mid-Kent, choosing to spend the cold months in Britain where gardens have well-stocked feeding stations. They have been spotted in Wa- teringbury, West Malling, Leeds and across the Weald. But like the resident robin, the blackcap is fiercely territorial and can scare off other birds, such as finches and sparrows, which might normally benefit from the free food supply. The Royal Society for the Pro- tection of Birds (RSPB) says that although the warbler is primarily a summer visitor, which heads south to warmer climes in the au- tumn, birds are migrating from Germany and north-east Europe in winter.


Apprentice’s royal award


from a Prince MAIDSTONE electricity appren- tice Ben Veness swapped power substations and cable trenches for St James’ Palace to receive his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. The 22-year-old was congratu-


lated on his award by Prince Ed- ward, HRH The Earl of Wessex. Ben, who


works for a na- tional electric- ity maintenance company, achieved the


award with activities including expeditions in Dartmoor and Ex- moor and a five day 50k hike through Snowdonia. Ben, who lives in Larkfield,


said: “Our first day on Snowdon was in horrendous weather. “We were soaked and you couldn’t see the person in front of you. It was hard, but also fun.” Ben joined the company ap- prenticeship scheme in 2016 and earlier this year qualified as an electrical fitter. The award scheme’s Caroline


Glen said: “Ben has shown strong commitment and energy in ex- ploring new skills, challenges and opportunities.”


16 Malling January 2020


Visitor here for a free feed A winter feast


THE RSPB offers this explanation for the increase of black caps coming to the UK: “We've known for a while that the blackcaps that come to Blighty for winter tend to have been hatched or breed in southern Germany. “And the reason? People in the


UK who are putting out plenty of bird food have made spending the winter here a viable option for blackcaps.”


During the breeding season,


there may be as many as 120,000 in the UK although, says the RSPB, that number drops back to 3,000 in winter.


The male has a distinctive black marking on its head while the drabber female has a brown cap. But what is unmistakable is its fluting song which has earned the


IF YOU have a feisty fighter at your bird table, it could be that you’ve spotted a very special new visitor choosing to over-winter in these parts.


warbler the name “northern nightingale”. Louise Menenes-Bautista, who


lives in Leeds, saw a flock of six blackcaps over Christmas moving through an ivy bush in her back garden. The mother of four said: “I was-


n’t at all sure what they were at first, but because of the distinctive marking on the head, they were easy to identify. “They were such handsome lit- tle birds – very distinctive.” Michael Beaman, of Sutton Va-


lence, said: “As warblers, they are insectivores, but as the supply of insects diminishes with the ap- proach of winter, they seem more than happy to eat the sunflower seeds we put out for the other small birds, such as finches.”


Police warn of repair scams


HOMEOWNERS are being warned of doorstep scammers of- fering sub-standard building work at unreasonably high prices. Kent residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions of rogue traders. A Kent Police spokesman said: “Recently, one elderly victim paid out thousands of pounds for roof- ing work in Allington, which was not only found to be overpriced but left incomplete.” The victim handed over the money after receiving a flyer through his door offering building and maintenance services. About 10 days later, he received a visit from two men who said the


victim’s roof needed repairs. The work was carried out in


November 2019, but the man was left with missing roof tiles and holes in his ceiling. On Thursday, December 12, a


27-year-old woman was arrested and interviewed by officers inves- tigating the work and detectives continue to carry out enquiries. Anyone with information about


rogue traders in the area is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/220565/19. Detective Sergeant Marc Cana-


nur said: “Sadly criminals will look to exploit the more vulnerable members of our communities.” Residents are reminded of the


following advice: l If someone knocks at your door, always refuse on the spot repairs or maintenance; l Don't allow anyone to pres- sure you into agreeing to have work carried out. If you ask them to leave and they don't, call 999; l Don’t ever go to a bank or cash point with a trader; l Use reputable traders who are members of the KCC Trading Standards approved trader scheme, run in partnership with Checkatrade; l Ask for quotes in writing and check that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from.


River brings calm to custody suite


KENT Police have recruited a new Labrador to help vulnerable people in Maidstone police custody. Five-year-old River’s “kind and


calm nature” meant she was perfect candidate for a project Kent Police is trialling at its Palace Avenue station. Sergeant Ian Sutton said: “We are


often dealing with people in crisis and although their behaviour has re- sulted in arrest, they could suffer with depression, anxiety or mental illness. “Young people may find them- selves scared and daunted by the ex-


perience, whilst others may have dif- ficulty in communicating.” “River has joined the team to offer emotional support to people who


are experiencing difficulties, she pro- vides a therapeutic benefit to those in crisis and helps to counter some of the negative behaviour we expe- rience in custody. “She has had a notable positive


impact on those she has spent time with and the atmosphere in custody improves when she is on shift.” There are procedures in place to


ensure River remains safe whilst going about her duties, her handler is always with her, she has access to fresh water and food and she is also taken out for regular breaks.


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