West Country Nature

A group of Zoo keepers have had to ask for help from riot police after a spate of attacks by a group of birds. The cranes at Exmoor Zoo have been getting so vicious that staff have had to bring in equipment normally reserved for controlling rioting mobs on the streets.

The recent rain could mean an increase in the number of rats infesting homes.

That's the warning from experts in the West Country who say flood-hit areas are particularly at risk.

Pest control experts say rats are building nests closer to homes after being driven to higher ground by rising water levels. They're warning the problem could get worse as warm weather sets in.

The recent rain could mean an increase in the number of rats infesting homes.

That's the warning from experts in the West Country who say flood-hit areas are particularly at risk.

Pest control experts say rats are building nests closer to homes after being driven to higher ground by rising water levels. They're warning the problem could get worse as warm weather sets in.

From Barnstable reporter Seth Conway: "North Devon gets massive Nature Improvement grant to benefit wildlife and people alongside River Torridge".

"The money will help farmers to leave wildlife areas on field borders with rivers and to boost Pearl Mussels". Find our more about the Nature Improvement Areas.