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Renewed hope for wildlife after charity success

Ariana BoteroSouth of England
Getty Images A hedgehog sits on short grass among fallen autumn leaves. The animal's face is turned slightly to the left, with dark eyes and nose visible. Brown and cream fur is visible beneath a coat of sharp spines. To the right of the hedgehog is a red toadstool covered in small white spots. Yellow and orange leaves surround the scene, with a soft green background beyond.Getty Images
Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue cares for more than 200 wild species, including hedgehogs and other small mammals

A charity has secured land to build a new wildlife hospital after a six-year "fight" to make their plans a reality.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue (OWR) has raised £100,000 to help fund the project after an appeal to build a dedicated centre to better treat sick, injured and orphaned wild animals.

It plans to include specialist wards for hedgehogs, small mammals and birds, as well as a nursery for small animals.

There is no set opening date, but the charity aims to begin work at the new site by May 2027.

Charity founder and CEO Luke Waclawek said: "I made a promise back in 2020, during lockdown, that Oxfordshire would one day have its own dedicated wildlife hospital.... it means so much to share that we're now putting everything together to make that promise a reality.

"After nearly two years of fighting for this land, I'm incredibly proud to share that Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue has officially become the owner of some land at Sutton Courtenay."

The charity which cares for the safety of more than 200 different UK wildlife species including deer, foxes, mice, badgers, and swans has a casualty centre in Blewbury, but wants to expand its operations by putting the core care and support facilities at the new hospital site.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue Close-up profile of a fox being treated at OWR - its head is laying on a towel, with a gloved hand in front of itOxfordshire Wildlife Rescue
The charity is currently caring for dozens of foxes, deers, pigeons and birds

The charity runs a 24-hour wildlife ambulance and relies on a team of volunteers as well as staff - but the new hospital also hopes to become a training premises for aspiring veterinarians.

Waclawek said that helping develop future vets alongside caring for wildlife would be "just as important as the work we do today" and said they envision students "building their experience and knowledge" with OWR to "help wildlife wherever they go".

In a Facebook post, Waclawek, said that buying the land was an "incredible milestone," and, in taking the step hopes to create "a lasting legacy that gives back to nature".

He said that despite the endeavour only being in the planning stage it will be "first of its kind in the county".

Waclawek said the charity was now looking for support from the community, including anyone who "can offer trade or administrative skills, join a work party" or that "your company might like to sponsor an aviary, a building or a ward".

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