RSPCA seeks wildlife rescue drivers in North Wales

RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, based in Nantwich, is seeking support to help transport injured or orphaned animals during the busy fledgling season.

The centre has partnered with UK Wildlife Transporters (UKWT) to build a network of volunteers who can respond quickly to wildlife emergencies.

Lee Stewart, manager of the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, said: "Our partnership with UK Wildlife Transporters is proving to be a real success as it has improved the network of wildlife helpers we are able to deploy across the North West and Midlands.

"It has meant we have been able to get wildlife casualties, such as these gull chicks, the care they need more quickly and safely while reducing the numbers of wildlife entering backyard projects where the standards of care can be poor."

The centre has been caring for dozens of gull chicks rescued from the North Wales coast.

They are now looking to recruit additional volunteers who can transport wildlife to the centre, vet practices, or approved wildlife rehabilitators under the Wildlife Care Badge Scheme.

Mr Stewart said: "It is the fledgling season and it is important that people realise that many chicks like this have not been abandoned so they should be left alone.

"But those that have been will require our specialist care and we need to recruit more volunteer drivers in the North Wales area to help us.

"We already have quite a few dedicated volunteers there, but we need more people who can commit to being available across the week, have a love of wildlife, and also have access to their own transport."

He stressed the importance of timely transportation, saying it "can often mean the difference between life and death for an animal."

Mandy Harris, an Anglesey-based volunteer for UKWT, said: "I am passionate about wildlife and the environment and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the negative things happening that I have no control over.

"Volunteering with the RSPCA and UK Wildlife Transporters has given me an opportunity to do something practical.

"Each of us may only be able to do one small thing, but collectively this work makes a difference for wildlife."

Anyone interested in volunteering as a wildlife driver in North Wales can email alana@ukwildlifetransporters.org.

Volunteers must have their own transport and will be asked to purchase a couple of animal carriers (large and small).