RSPCA needs north Wales volunteers as gull rescues pile up this summer
Five orphaned herring gull chicks found near Prestatyn have been taken in by an RSPCA wildlife centre, as the charity appeals for more volunteer drivers across north Wales.
The gull nestlings, found on the north Wales coast, each weighed just 330g when they arrived at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire.
A further 14 gull chicks arrived at the centre on the same day.
Stapeley Grange has partnered with charity UK Wildlife Transporters, known as UKWT, to build a network of volunteer drivers who can collect wildlife casualties at short notice.
The centre is now recruiting more volunteers in the north Wales area to transport wildlife to Stapeley Grange, vet practices or approved wildlife rehabilitators.
RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre Manager Lee Stewart said:
“Our partnership with UK Wildlife Transporters is proving to be a real success as it has improved the network of wildlife helpers we are able to deploy across the North West and Midlands.”
“It has meant we have been able to get wildlife casualties, such as these gull chicks, the care they need more quickly and safely while reducing the numbers of wildlife entering backyard projects where the standards of care can be poor.”
“It is the fledgling season and it is important that people realise that many chicks like this have not been abandoned so they should be left alone.”
“But those that have been will require our specialist care and we need to recruit more volunteer drivers in the North Wales area to help us.”
“We already have quite a few dedicated volunteers there, but we need more people who can commit to being available across the week, have a love of wildlife and also have access to their own transport.”
“By helping to strengthen UKWT’s network of volunteers it means we can indirectly react quickly when time is of the essence to ensure these young birds get the care they need.”
“Timely transport can often mean the difference between life and death for an animal.”
Anglesey-based volunteer Mandy Harris, who drives for UKWT, said:
“I am passionate about wildlife and the environment and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the negative things happening that I have no control over.”
“Volunteering with the RSPCA and UK Wildlife Transporters has given me an opportunity to do something practical.”
“Each of us may only be able to do one small thing, but collectively this work makes a difference for wildlife.”
Most gull chicks leave their nests between June and August, but some become separated from their parents or are abandoned.
The RSPCA says a chick that is not injured should usually be left alone, as young gulls are often out of the nest without being abandoned.
People should only step in if a gull is genuinely injured, or if it has clearly been abandoned after being monitored for 24 hours.
Anyone who finds an injured or abandoned gull should take it to a wildlife rehabilitator or local vet practice.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer wildlife driver in the north Wales area can email [email protected].
Volunteers will need their own transport and will be asked to buy a large and small animal carrier.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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