Burnham-On-Sea wildlife carers have this week issued an appeal for donations to help injured animals through the winter months.
As the days get colder, and British wildlife prepares itself for the winter, Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill is asking members of the public and schools in the Burnham-On-Sea area to help.
The charity is asking people to send them shoeboxes filled with goodies that will help its team of animal carers look after wild animals this winter.
Ellie Wallace, Learning and Engagement Officer at Secret World, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is a great opportunity for children and schools to get involved with caring for British wildlife.”
“Making up a shoebox of enrichment and food is an easy and fun way to engage children and get them to think about the needs of wildlife.”
“Christmas is a time for giving and we don’t want our animals to be forgotten about. It would be wonderful if they were able to enjoy a little treat during the festive season.”
If people want to donate for a specific animal, the list below details what is appropriate for each species.
Gift boxes for badgers:
- Dog meat (any variety)
- Dog biscuits (any variety)
- Custard creams (for weaning badgers)
- Dog kong toy (for enrichment while they are at Secret World)
- Peanuts
Gift boxes for foxes:
- Dog meat (any variety)
- Dog biscuits (any variety)
- Chew toy and Dog Kong toy (for enrichment at Secret World).
Gift boxes for hedgehogs:
- Cat meat (meat or poultry flavoured in jelly, no fish)
- Cat biscuits (meat or poultry flavoured, no fish)
- Fleece blanket
- Vet bed
- £15 for materials to build hedgehog shelters
- Hay bale (a little big perhaps to fit in a shoebox but perfect for hibernating!)
Gift boxes for birds:
- Fat balls
- Wild bird seed
- Peanuts
- Dried mealworms
- Bird feeders
- Sunflower seeds
- Plastic tweezers
Completed shoeboxes can be delivered to Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ.
Alternatively, supporters can drop them off at a number of points in the Burnham-On-Sea area including several Pets at Home in Clevedon, Cadbury Garden Centre and Sanders Garden Centre in Brent Knoll. A full list of drop-off points is available at: https://www.secretworld.org/
