Protecting Wildlife
More than 300 call outs in 2023,
we aim to help even more wildlife this year.
West Sussex Wildlife Protection
Rescuing our native orphaned, injured and sick wildlife in West Sussex
We cover the western part of West Sussex.
Foxes, deer, badgers and swans, together with trapped birds are our speciality.
Without your kind support we could not attend the number of rescues we do.
OUR WORK
Rescue
West Sussex Wildlife Protection receives hundreds of calls each year to help rescue injured or distressed wildlife.
Release
Wildlife are treated by a vet where possible, and then released or taken to a local wildlife sanctuary.
Investigations
Our rescuers investigate wildlife crime in the most serious of cases. We pass on our findings to the police
HELP WILDLIFE
HEDGEHOGS
If it is injured it needs to go into a small box and be taken immediately to the nearest veterinary surgery, this will not cost anything. If it is found out wandering during the day this is a sign of health concern, and it could be taken to Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, Cow Lane, Sidlesham, PO20 7LN. Phone 01243 641672, or your local wildlife hospital.
FOXES
If you find an injured or sick fox and can catch it, then take to your nearest veterinary surgery. It will not cost you anything. If you are unable to do this then before we can help, you must follow the “broomstick test” and approach within a broomstick length and see if it’s possible for us to catch it if we came out with a restraining noose on a pole. For unwell but mobile foxes, we will advise how we can help. Phone us 01243 825804.
HERRING GULLS
If injured, try to put a towel over it and place in a box and take to a veterinary surgery, it will not cost you anything. If you cannot catch then phone us. By June the chicks are born. If they fall off the roof in June, it may not be possible to get them back into the nest (an exception would be a flat dormer window just under the nest) and so they will have to be taken to a rescue centre as they face danger on the ground. Phone for advice. As the chicks develop, they will be able to climb up to the apex of a roof if not too steep, but a ladder is often needed to get to the gutter line. We can often help with this. Likewise, gulls trapped in netting, phone us immediately 01243 825804.
BIRDS AND FLEDGLINGS
An injured bird can be taken to any veterinary surgery or contact Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital 01243 641762 or your nearest rescue hospital for advice. If a bird is trapped, or you cannot capture and need help, phone us. Fledglings will be often be on the ground for a day or more after leaving the nest, and are fed by adults. This is normal, but if in real danger take to Brent Lodge hospital or your local rescue. Pigeon squabs can be blown out of a nest prematurely. If you have a small basket or similar with edges, an artificial nest can be nailed up under some branches near the nest and the adults will often feed. Phone us for advice 01243 825804.
BADGERS
These need specialist help when rescuing because of their bite and you cannot scruff a badger. Phone us for assistance or advice.
DUCKLINGS
In April through to early summer, ducklings can hatch in urban areas and be in danger. The adult needs to be caught and then the ducklings can be picked up and relocated with the mother. We use a weighted throw net. Phone us for help.
DEER
If the deer has been hit by a car but standing, it is likely to be stunned and will eventually move off. If the injuries look survivable or it is trapped, then call us and we will capture and take for veterinary care if we can. If it is unable to move and lying down after a road traffic accident, then it is likely to have severe fractures or internal injury and unlikely to survive. Any veterinary surgery will euthanise if it is taken there. You could call the police or RSPCA or a local farm if euthanasia is required.