Lyz Hall


Lyz Hall is more than the owner of the sanctuary. She is the heart of Hallswood. She is passionate about animals and birds and her knowledge is almost endless. At the same time, she is very humble and she hates the word "expert". "The moment you call yourself an expert you stop learning," she says.

Living on-site, she is at work 24/7, every day of the year and it is only in the last few years she has started to be able to take a few hours off every now and then.

Without any doubt, as much as her passion is for all animals (maybe not goats...), it is horses that make her smile.

 

Hi Lyz!

How long have you worked with Hallswood?
-I started on site in November 2003.

Could you tell us more about what you work with?
-I do the rehabilitation, socialisation and medication of a lot of the animals at the site. Oh and clean up a lot of muck!

What is your favourite part of working for Hallswood?
-Knowing that we made a difference. I love the sound of happy animals eating.

And dare I ask what the worst part is?
-Not being able to help them in time! Often birds and animals get here too late and no matter how hard we try it isn't going to be a happy ending 🙁

What would you say to encourage someone to help us by joining our crazy family of volunteers?
-Well. Being crazy is not compulsory but it definitely helps! Hallswood gives second chances to not just animals but people too. Everyone needs a friend: four legs or two!

What is your favorite British wildlife?
-Horses! Oh, wildlife 😀 Wild horses? 😀Famous last words: what is your favourite saying?
-You can't save them all, but you can save this one!

Jenna Painter

Jenna practically grew up at the sanctuary and is now in charge of our animal welfare team, and the bird mummy for all baby birds brought to us.
On paper, she is working 5 days a week but the reality is that she is working much more than that. During baby bird season she will bring the smallest baby birds with her home to ensure that she can keep an eye on them at all time. How about that for dedication? 🙂

 

Hi Jenna!

How long have you worked with Hallswood?
-I first started helping with the sanctuary animals in 2006 when I was 14 and joined the Saturday group, and have gradually worked up to being there 5 days a week.

Could you tell us more of what you work with?
-As head of animal welfare I deal with a wide variety of livestock on a daily basis, mainly wildlife such as hedgehogs and garden birds, poultry, rabbits, pigs, corvids, the list goes on! I also supervise volunteers and help train them on how we look after our livestock. We have a great team of volunteers who help with feeding and mucking out, as well as cleaning carriers and cages. I help sort through donations for the sanctuary of which we get a lot (big thank you) Also spring 2020 I decided to take over handrearing of baby birds which has been amazing!

What is your favourite part of working for Hallswood?
-Love handrearing baby birds, just being outside in the woods, the fact the animals dont complain about my singing! There is never a dull day at the sanctuary that's for sure!

And dare I ask what the worst part it?
-Having to go in with the horrible talking magpie who loves to attack people. He now has a squirrel friend who joins in with the bullying.

What would you say to encourage someone to help us by joining our crazy family of volunteers?
-We have an amazing group of people who volunteer in many different ways, there are so many ways to get involved (even for people who dont like to get their hands dirty!) So whatever you enjoy and whatever skill set you may have is appreciated.

What is your favourite British wildlife?
-Probably pigeons, they are amazing animals, or gold finches which I hand reared a few of this year and are the cutest little birds

Famous last words: what is your favourite saying?
-When I have an animal crisis I ask myself "what would Lyz do?"

Rachael Williams

Rachael was a volunteer for many years before joining our team at the sanctuary full time in 2020. To say that Rachael loves animals is the understatement of the year 😀 Just look at the picture - this is Rachael, in her living room, having a cuddle with her pet duck!

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Rachael!

How long have you worked with Hallswood?

-I think i have worked for hallswood for about 5 years. I started my very first day in the kitchen at one of the events they had at Hellesdon High school. And boy was it busy! I was hooked after that. I started to work in one of the charity shops on a Saturday. Maria then organised volunteer days at the sanctuary and I went along. And now they are stuck with me and can't get rid of me lol

Could you tell us more of what you work with?
-I work with all the animals that live at the sanctuary. From ducks chickens or tiny baby mice. There are many animals that live at Hallswood lots of cats dogs birds. We even had someone bring in a poorly toad.

What is your favourite part of working for Hallswood?
-The animals!
And dare I ask what the worst part is?

-The worst part is when an animal passes away. It's always sad. But we help the animals as much as we can. But sometimes there is nothing we can do. We make sure the animal is not in pain we make sure they are comfortable.

What would you say to encourage someone to help us by joining our crazy family of volunteers?
-I would say if you want to have the best teacher and learn about animal care come down and have a chat with Jen and Lyz. If you are more of an indoor person talk to Maria who is in charge of the shops. Hallswood is my second family. <3

What is your favourite British wildlife?
-Foxes are my favourite they are such beautiful wonderful animals I love it after we have given Pablo [Resident fox at the sanctuary] a clean bed how he jumps and rolls around in his fresh clean straw. And when you go to feed him he makes the cute little purring noise Xxx 

Famous last words: what is your favourite saying?
-My favourite saying is I will ask Jen or lyz lol