Bird & Wildlife Hospital

Raystede has a small facility to care for injured or orphaned wild birds and occasionally other small creatures, such as hedgehogs.
They receive first aid and veterinary care and after care. The babies are reared by the aviary team with the aim to rehabilitate and release into the wild.

If faced with a possible wildlife casualty and unsure whether to intervene or not, please phone Raystede for advice. Other numbers to try include RSPCA Mallydam Woods (01424 812055) at Fairlight, or Folly Wildlife Rescue (01892 750865), Tunbridge Wells. These organisations have vast experience and like Raystede, depend on public donations.

Many species of native birds are declining dramatically across Europe
Even house sparrows, once very common in the UK, have now declined in numbers and they are now of concern and placed on the Red List. (The RSPCA, DEFRA and RPSB websites are useful for current information.)
A refinement in farming techniques, different building methods and materials used in new houses and changes in gardening has had a huge impact on many garden birds. If at all possible, anyone with a garden should consider creating a wildlife area to help out dwinding species, before it is too late.

Wally the pigeon came to us in 2005 and has been a permanent resident in the wildlife hospital ever since. Click here to read Wally's LiveJournal diary of the events and comings and goings in Raystede's Bird and Wildlife Hospital! (This will open in a separate window/tab).