Mike Still

Secret World Wildlife Rescue

Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a service dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of British wildlife. The charity's vision is to prevent British Wildlife suffering needlessly and inspire in everyone an understanding and love of wildlife and the countryside. Last year, we cared for more than 5,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds. Based in Somerset, we know British wildlife is in trouble, particularly from loss of habitat and traffic accidents. More than 200 wildlife species in the South West are endangered. These include hedgehogs, otters, bats and skylarks. Britain has lost 37% of its hedgehogs in the past decade, and nightingales could be extinct within 30 years. Indeed, bird numbers have dropped by 10% in the last 10 years. To help counteract this, we have a substantial learning programme that gives people of all ages a unique and inspirational experience in order to awaken their interest and passion for wildlife and to reconnect them with nature. To complement a tight team of professional staff, Secret World enjoys the support of several hundred dedicated volunteers who assist in roles such as animal carers, reception, administration, maintenance and the team of response drivers across the South West who pick up injured animals and bring them to Secret World. We have volunteer and animal care training programmes, and also work with local community groups for those with learning disabilities. We run regular courses on animal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as wildlife photography workshops. The 17th century Grade II listed Bluebell Barn allows school and community groups to learn on-site as well as allowing Secret World to host volunteer training sessions, conferences, corporate visits and even weddings. Our target is to engage 30 percent of all schools in a one-hour radius of the Secret World within five years.