Southern Water staff called out East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) after a goose was found trapped in a sewage tank at the Uckfield Water Treatment Works in Uckfield today.
Friday staff noticed the bird had landed in the circular waste water tank being chased by the constantly rotating arm, which they quickly turned off. Staff thought the bird might be able to fly out of its own accord but on Monday the goose was still there so they called for assistance from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS).
Trevor Weeks MBE founder of WRAS attended on site along with three other rescuers Kathy, Sean and Robert. "This is not the first time we have had waterfowl accidentally landing in this exact same tank. On the 25th October 2007 we had a swan trapped here which we needed to catch. The smaller birds like ducks are normally ok and can fly out easily but geese and swans always have trouble" said Trevor.
"Because of the drop from ground level down to the gully round the edge of the tank, I had to climb down in order to try and catch the swan. The gully was very slippery and wet so we had to proceed with caution.
Sean stayed by the overflow to stop the goose becoming stuck whilst Robert and I approached from either side. Geese are not easy to catch in the best of situations and this was no exception. After a couple of attempts to catch the goose, it managed to take off and just about gain enough height and flew through the surrounding railings and onto the grass said Trevor.
Rescuers then walked the swan across the grass to a nearby pond where it was quickly onto nice clean water where it could recuperate safely. "I think all the goose luckily needed was a bit of encouragement in order to help it get up and out of the tank and I'm so glad I didn't end up getting wetter than last time said Trevor.
"We would like to thank the Southern Water staff at Uckfield for their co-operation and assistance with this rescue added Trevor Weeks from WRAS.
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WRAS Media Contact: 07931-523958 / Office: 01825-873003
A copy of the rescue video without titles and logo can be downloaded for media use at: http://bit.ly/15ZWwz5
