When wildlife needs a helping hand
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There are times when our animal and bird friends find themselves in a spot of bother. They might be youngsters that have been orphaned or whose home has been destroyed, or older ones that have been involved in an accident. Whatever the reason there’s help available at Oak & Furrows wildlife rescue centre.
Founded in 1994 and based near Cricklade, the charity cares for rescued animals and provides much needed help to each and every one that’s brought in. We talked to Vicky from our business sales team about her experience of volunteering at the centre.
Why did you volunteer at Oak & Furrows?
It was my New Year’s resolution to start volunteering as I’ve always been passionate about the environment and animals. Volunteering with a wildlife charity seemed like a good way to combine the two! Oak and Furrows are a really special charity – they’re open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. They take in over 3000 wildlife casualties annually. Three other rescue centres in the region have had to close their doors to any more casualties this winter because they are full. This means that people are travelling long distances to bring them to Oak and Furrows, because they never turn any sick or injured animals away.
What does a day volunteering look like?
It can be really varied, but in the winter the centre is busiest with hedgehogs! Oak and Furrows take in hedgehogs who need help to survive the winter and take care of them until they can be released when the weather is warmer – currently they are caring for 160, which is the highest number they’ve ever had. They need to be given food and water daily, as well as have their habitats cleaned and lined with fresh newspaper. All animals are monitored closely, for example with weight and health checks, and are given any medical treatment required. The phone is always ringing with people asking for advice and new animals can arrive at the centre at any time. On my first day, they were arranging for an injured bat to be brought in.
What’s your favourite bit about volunteering with hedgehogs?
Seeing any animal up close has been really rewarding, but hedgehogs have always been one of my favourites. They each have their own little personalities!
Have there been any success stories you’d like to share with us from your time volunteering?
In January, Oak and Furrows took in a juvenile guillemot which was found in the middle of a road in Cheltenham. Sea birds are not normally found inland so this was really unexpected for them, but Oak & Furrows were able to take care of it until it could be transferred to a specialist seabird centre.
What’s been the most rewarding part of volunteering at the rescue centre?
Knowing that I’m helping animals which otherwise would have no chance of survival is really rewarding. It’s also been a really educational experience – I’m learning more and more about wildlife and just seeing wild animals up close is so satisfying.
What advice would you give to somebody thinking about volunteering at an animal rescue centre?
I would definitely encourage anyone to try volunteering at a wildlife rescue centre – it’s really worthwhile. There are lots of charities out there who really need the help and would be really glad to have more volunteers, even if you can only spare a little bit of time. I would just advise people to give a local centre a call or email, so that they can get started.
For more information about volunteering, or other ways to get involved with the animals and birds visit the Oak & Furrow website.
Updated: 30 January 2019
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