West Sussex Wildlife Protection
With over 20 years of commitment to rescuing and safeguarding wildlife, West Sussex Wildlife Protection brings together a dedicated team of trained rescuers equipped to handle diverse and complex wildlife situations.
Wildlife Rescue in West Sussex
Our rescue efforts cover western West Sussex and southeast Hampshire, including areas like Portsmouth, Havant, Midhurst, Petworth, Pulborough, Bognor, Chichester, Littlehampton, and Rustington. Specialising in the rescue of foxes, deer, badgers, swans, and entrapped birds, we serve as Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital’s go-to team for challenging rescues and are the primary police contact when the RSPCA is unavailable.
Our rescue services extend to treating mange, and using humane trapping methods to aid afflicted animals and birds. We also specialise in rescuing birds affected by fishing line entanglements, often partnering with local fire brigades with whom we have built strong, cooperative relationships. Each summer, we respond to hundreds of calls to assist fledgling gulls that have fallen from rooftops, ensuring they are safely relocated or rehabilitated as needed.
Wildlife Crime Prevention
West Sussex Wildlife Protection is dedicated to tackling wildlife crime by gathering and providing evidence to Sussex Police, which has contributed to successful convictions. We also support the RSPCA’s special operations by sharing critical information and leads on illegal activities that endanger wildlife. Every report of potential wildlife crime is thoroughly investigated and pursued.
In addition, we advocate for wildlife-friendly land management practices. From urging landowners to replace hazardous barbed wire fencing to lobbying for protections against development threats, we work diligently to create safer habitats for wildlife.
In 2008, our commitment to animal welfare faced a legal challenge when the Crawley and Horsham Hunt sought a High Court injunction to prevent us from monitoring their activities. A year later, they withdrew their case and were ordered to cover our legal costs. Our continued efforts led to a landmark prosecution under the Hunting Act in 2012, resulting in convictions for three members of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt—the first prosecution of its kind in the south-east.