Diary
In most newsletters, I usually include a numbered account of the animals and birds rescued since the last edition, which would have been Spring 2025. This time, however, the sheer volume of work has made that impossible.
I personally have three full lever-arch files of documented rescues, and each of our rescuers will have their own records too. Taken together, it is fair to say that West Sussex Wildlife Protection has helped many hundreds of wildlife casualties over this period.
We are still exceptionally busy, particularly with the ongoing pigeon season, with wood pigeons continuing to nest very late into the year.
Wildlife Fayre
In April, we held our Wildlife Fayre, raising £310.86. It was genuinely lovely to meet so many of our supporters, put faces to names, and share conversations with people who care so deeply about wildlife.
Thank you to everyone who came along, and a very special thank you to our rescuers, as well as friends and family, who gave their time and energy to help on the day.
We Are Now A Charity
In May, we were delighted to receive confirmation of our registration with the Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212713.
Becoming a registered charity marks an important milestone for us and moves us on from our previous status as an unincorporated association. While we have encountered some early delays in registering for Gift Aid, these should be resolved very soon.
The five trustees have now met and agreed that, alongside continuing to grow our volunteer base, we should work towards the following goals:
- Employing a full-time rescuer and wildlife rehabilitator, supported by a specialist animal ambulance
- Securing suitable premises for a wildlife sanctuary and hospital, ideally located close to the A27
- Continuing to speak up for wildlife where harm is avoidable — including wildfowling, bird-trapping netting on buildings, and double-strand barbed wire fencing that causes serious injuries to deer
Finally, we would gently ask supporters to consider leaving a legacy gift. The trustees will ensure that any such gift is used carefully and in perpetuity, solely for the benefit and protection of wildlife.