Oak and Furrows rescue centre appeals for aid as a large number of sick and injured wildlife arrive for urgent care
Oak and Furrows Wildlife Centre, between Cirencester and Cricklade, have launched an urgent appeal for funds following in influx of around 200 sick animals and birds in just a few days.
“We really would ask the public to help us financially if they can,” says the charity’s chairman Robin Thompson.
The rescued wildlife at Oak and Furrow, based at Blakehill Nature Reserve, Leigh, includes jackdaws, crows, magpies, garden and song birds, ducklings and cygnets, tawny owls, a kestrel, a raven, foxes, rabbits, deer, hedgehogs and a badger cub.
“Every time the phone rings it usually means another ‘patient’ needs urgent help,” says Robin. “Our carers work hard ensuring all of our patients are well looked after, providing them all with the care necessary to rehabilitate them ready for release back into the wild. Thank goodness our small team is so dedicated to their task. It is amazing.”
Chrissy Ball, head of administration and fundraising, explains, “The little nestling and fledgling birds particularly need attentive care. They are cleaned and fed hourly, which means one carer starting at the first incubator, feeding the wildlife, many of them babies, then starting back at the beginning and doing it all over again. It is truly awesome to see the efforts of my colleagues, some of whom are volunteers.”
In the past year, Oak and Furrows provided aid for 3,000-plus animals and birds; there is concern within the team that this may be exceeded this year, as June is the beginning of the charity’s busiest six months.
Robin urged the public to help the centre. “A call now could help us save so many animals and birds who bring such joy to our gardens, the fields and almost any environment you care to think of.”
To discuss how you can help please call Chrissy Ball or other team members on 01793 751412 or email info@oandf.co.uk
Oak and Furrows Wildlife Centre, Blakehill Nature Reserve, Malmesbury Road, Leigh, Cricklade SN6 6RA.
Registered charity number: 1115926.
