South Notts Hunt helps rescue horses from major fire

Hunt staff from the South Notts Hunt were involved in assisting in their local community by rescuing horses from burning fields on Tuesday, 19^th July.

Disaster was averted in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, when staff from the South Notts Hunt and local farmers, rushed to the aid of horse and pony owners.

Just before 4pm on Tuesday, as hunt staff from the South Notts hunt were assisting farmers on their fallen stock collection service, the local farming network groups were calling out for urgent help by Haywood Oaks woodland, which had caught fire.

The blaze was reported to be moving quickly and as fire services were rushing to attendance, farmers were being called upon to help dig a trench as a fire break, to help stop the fire from spreading to the residential area.

Haywood Oaks is one of the most densely equine-populated areas in the UK, with a huge number of privately owned and livery run paddocks and stabling. With the messages for help and updates quickly turning to panic from local horse owners, hunt Stud Groom, Jayne, quickly sprung into action, offering immediate horse transport to move horses from the immediate danger zone.

Jayne is quick to play down her part in the community rescue, saying she feels anyone with horses would have done the same: "As the South Notts is fortunate to have a large horse lorry, I knew I could be of immediate help. I was glad to be able to move horses for those owners that don't have transport and help sort out an emergency place for the horses to go. Anyone with animals would do the same, though as a hunt we are lucky to have such a community network."

Polly Portwin for the Countryside Alliance applauded the South Notts Hunt staff and local farmers for their valiant efforts, saying: "Once again we see the important results and vital outcome of a strong hunting community and thank Jayne for her quick-thinking to ensure the safety of people's beloved horses and ponies."

Fire crews worked throughout the night to tackle a large blaze on farmland in Nottinghamshire which is now under control.

The county's fire and rescue service said it was called out to the fire at a farm in Blidworth Lane, Blidworth, at about 13:35 BST on Tuesday.

About 15 crews and 85 firefighters attended the scene which was declared a major incident by the service. Several homes were evacuated as firefighters dealt with the large fire which started in a forest.

Photo credit: Penny Fillingham