A search for rare birds and missing art

Wiltshire this week has once again had its fair share of animal-related news – whether it’s keeping an eye on rare birds, or the less appealing rat infestation.

There has also been a £50,000 reward put out for paintings and the story of a “guardian angel”.

Bird ringing: The Space for Nature group on the Marlborough Downs put rings on six lapwing birds this week as part of a conservation project to help the species that has been in decline.

A sad goodbye: Wadworth brewery in Devizes has confirmed that its famous shire horses will not be returning to deliver beer to pubs locally. They are well-known around the town, but despite receiving planning permission for new stables, the company has said keeping the horses is no longer financially viable.

£50k reward: A reclusive artist from Swindon whose works made £1.6m just last year is offering a reward for the return off dozens – possibly hundreds – of his artworks. Henry Orlik, 78, was evicted from a social housing flat in London in 2022 while he was in hospital, which is when they went missing. He is now back at his childhood home in Swindon, where others were stored.

Auction surprise: Salisbury auctioneers Woolley & Wallis sold a mid-20th Century Kwele mask from Gabon this week for more than 300 times its expected price. It was estimated at £300 – £500 but actually went for £107,100.

Culinary Challenge: A Wiltshire learning trust has revealed its top cooks after a Bake Off style competition. The Ascend Learning Trust Bake Off involved several schools as pupils made their own signature dish and were tasked with a technical round of a coffee and walnut battenberg cake.

Hospital celebrations: The maternity services team at Salisbury District Hospital – which delivers more than 2,000 babies a year – has been celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission which is an improvement on their previous assessment.

Leisure improvements: Wiltshire Council has said it will soon be confirming when it will be re-opening parts of leisure centres in Marlborough and Warminster which are both undergoing big changes to the fitness suites.