More than 2,500 visitors from Somerset and beyond enjoyed a wild bank holiday weekend at Secret World Wildlife Rescue near Burnham-On-Sea.
People had the chance to get up close to native British species including harvest mice, hedgehogs and a host of birds – from the centre’s resident owls to some of the many orphaned baby birds being cared for in Secret World’s busy hospital room.
“We’ve had a brilliant weekend and want to thank everyone who came to support Secret World as well as the many volunteers who made the event such a success,” said event organiser Jeremy Duxbury.
“People were keen to learn how they can help birds and other wildlife where they live. Children made recycled bird feeders from plastic bottles and built wood piles to help hedgehogs.”
“Another highlight was the harvest mouse activity. Youngsters had the chance to help build a harvest mouse habitat in a tank using natural materials like moss and reeds, then a group of mice were introduced and children were delighted to see them exploring their new home.”
“We breed and release harvest mice to try and increase the local population of these delightful mammals, who are threatened by habitat loss and changing farming practices.”
Visitor Tracy Clayton said: “I spent an amazing day here today, thoroughly enjoyed the talks, loved the animals and the staff and volunteers were all so helpful and friendly. I particularly liked the hedgehog talk and have been inspired to make hedgehog dens and wildlife havens in my garden. Thank you so much everyone!”
Visitor Geoff Cox added: “Had a fab day at Beaks and Squeaks doing pond dipping, duck rescue, making a bird feeder and a clay harvest mouse, finished with cake, face painting and tombola!”
The charity’s next open weekend is The Secret World of Hedgehogs from 22nd to 24th October.
In the mean time there are other events to enjoy including the first ever music festival at Secret World, Music in the Meadow on 10th September, with exciting acts to be announced!
On 26th June wildlife fans can enjoy an evening of Animal Magic in aid of Secret World, with photographer Richard Austin at the Princess Theatre in Burnham. Tickets are available from the theatre’s box office.
Pictured above: A ducking at the event (Carl Bovis), Shadow the barn owl with volunteer Laura Bloxham (Carl Bovis); and Erin Robinson builds a harvest mouse habitat with animal carer Sam A’Court (Sylwia Cholody)
Visitor Sam Thompson meets a harvest mouse with animal carer Sarah Tingvoll
Callum and Evie Fielding make clay mice during the open days (Sylwia Cholody)
Francesca and Gabriella Day with their wildlife drawings at the Secret World Wildlife Rescue event (Sylwia Cholody)
One of the hedgehogs at the weekend’s Secret World event (Sylwia Cholody)
Xavier Sweet from Cheddar with his badger drawing at the event
