Pet Patrol 365

12/07/2025

Absolutely loved my 6-mile walk on Ashdown today! 🌿 The highlight? Spotting my first ever Silver-studded Blues and a Silver-washed Fritillary 🦋 – what a treat!

09/07/2025

🐾 Meet Penny, the spaniel with BIG determination and an even BIGGER stick! 💥🌳

She saw it. She wanted it. She dragged it for miles like a champ.

Stick size? Questionable.

Ambition? Unlimited.

02/07/2025

🐾 FOUND: Dog Leads in Townsend’s Car Park! 🐾

I’ve just picked up two dog leads that were left behind in Townsend’s car park. I’ve popped them on the post near where they were found - hopefully easy to spot!

If they’re yours (or you know who they might belong to), come and grab them! 🐶✨

Please share to help them find their way home!

Zita x

01/07/2025

🦋 Ever seen butterflies huddled on the ground and wondered what they’re up to?

It’s called mud-puddling, and no - it’s not just a butterfly brunch date. 😄

They’re actually soaking up essential nutrients like sodium and minerals from soil, mud, even (brace yourself) dung or sweat. Nectar doesn’t give them everything they need, especially male butterflies, who use these minerals to boost fertility - and even pass them on to females during mating!

💧 It’s also a handy way to stay hydrated in hot weather.

And why the group hangout?
👀 Safety in numbers - more wings, fewer worries about predators.
🧭 Shared smarts - one finds a good spot, the others follow.

Nature’s version of a pop-up mineral bar! 🌿🦋

23/06/2025

🐑Grazing update🐑

Please be aware that a number of the Commoner's sheep have been turned out today into the permanently-fenced grazing enclosure on the South Chase (see map for location). There are more sheep expected to be turned out over the next few days.

As always, please keep dogs under close control at all times and consider using a lead around livestock. For more information on dog walking and our Code of Conduct, visit https://ashdownforest.org/dogs/

To find out more about grazing on the Forest, visit https://ashdownforest.org/grazing/

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

20/06/2025

🌟 Update at 11.30am, 24th June: Good news! We're pleased to share that the cow struck by a vehicle on Thursday night near Hollies car park has been located. She was found with about 30 of her herd mates at Friends Clump yesterday. She's been given an anti-inflammatory and will be taken in for further assessment shortly.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has been out looking and shared this appeal! 🙏

‼️ URGENT ‼️

⚠️If you're out walking or riding in the permanently-fenced enclosure on the South Chase today, we need your help please! 🙏

We are looking for a black Aberdeen Angus cow that was sadly hit by a car last night. She might be in a herd and look lame, or she might be on her own, possibly lying down. The last three digits on her ear tag are 589. If you see her, please note the What3Words location (or be able to describe your location as best as possible) and get in touch with us via 01342 823583 and select option 7.

She was last seen just south of Hollies car park heading in the direction of the Airman's Grave.

We will update this post with news as we have it. Thank you!

13/06/2025

🎙️ Just had a blast chatting with Peter Suter on Ashdown Radio’s East Sussex Today about my latest blog and ‘Canine Confidential’ column in the - “The Zoomies Incident: Joy, Chaos and Countryside Care.” 🐕

We talked all things zoomies - why they’re a joyful expression of pure happiness in our pups, and I shared some top tips on how to manage those wild, high-speed bursts safely!

Missed the live show? You can catch the replay here: https://www.ashdownradio.com/player/on-demand/items/zita-wells8/

And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out my blog post too… it’s packed with laughs, real-life adventure, and expert insight on caring for your zoomie-loving friend. Link in the comments.

Let me know what you think… any zoomie stories to share?

Safe and happy walking! 🐾

Zita x

Zita Wells Pet Patrol 365, talking about “Canine Confidential"

06/06/2025

03/06/2025

One of our teammates spotted the Love Bus in the car park today… even though we weren’t there. 🐾🚗

Apparently, he trotted straight over and gave it a good sniff… clearly checking for signs of life (or snacks 😂).

Dogs NEVER forget their people! 💙

Missed you too, buddy. 🐶✨

02/06/2025

We joined the team and here’s what we got:

✅ Loyalty (we’re very good at this)
✅ Zoomies (professional level)
✅ Unconditional love (obviously)
🍦 But most importantly… ICE CREAM RIGHTS!

We walked. We sniffed. We earned this scoop. 🐾 Now please stop taking pictures and let us lick in peace!