Quite apart from the growing number of calls for assistance from the general public / vets / other rescue sanctuaries, we have been very busy with releasing and relocating birds of late, now the worst of the winter weather is well behind us. Yes, there will be the odd flurry of snow and morning frosts, but they will not last like they did earlier in the year.

In the last 7 weeks, we have done four trips north to the hospitals and reserves at Wigton near Carlisle, in order to give rescued birds the very best chance of a full and successful return to the wild. It is hoped that we can do a further trip next weekend to relocate an orphaned heron chick, as while the rescue it resides at just now can cope with the current stage, we have to ensure that it doesn’t imprint which could render a successful release non-viable in the weeks to come. The team up at Knoxwood have the facilities to complete the birds’ upbringing and with our reserves alongside and their own heronry in the treetops above, it is an ideal location for this rehabilitation to complete. We will of course fully load the car with other items to help them save/raise money in the process – thank you so much for all these donations.

Nigel