About South Manchester Wildlife Rescue

I started rehabilitation work with wildlife in 1995, thirteen years ago, working seven of those years as a volunteer for a wildlife rescue centre where I eventually became hospital manager.

Branching out on my own, the past few years have been both exciting and heartbreaking, but extremely rewarding. Although working from home is less than ideal, as space for equipment and wildlife casualties is somewhat restricted, thanks to support from the veterinary profession and the general public I now have the use of premises set in fifteen acres of land.

Although I have no formal qualifications within my 'profession', I have thirteen years experience, plus a years schooling at college where I passed my Animal Care Certificate with distinction.

Unlike many wildlife centres I am on call twenty-four hours a day. I travel to locations within a twenty mile radius of my home, funding myself and relying on donations from a grateful and generous public. My work has largely been communicated by word of mouth by the general public, who know who I am, what I do, and appreciate the 'service' I offer.

Growing awareness has meant an increase in the number of incoming wildlife casualties and the need for expansion. Of course, with expansion comes overheads and running costs. The hospital has required rewiring, plus there is a continuing need to acquire and maintain vital equipment such as incubators, cages, heat lamps, materials for aviaries and mammal pens, as well as food, drugs and the cost of veterinary bills.

As a wildlife rehabilitator I am often asked to attend fetes and fundraising events. I give talks on wildlife and take groups of people on bat walks and nature rambles, hoping that my knowledge and experience excite and motivate people in the conservation and respect of the ecology of our small island.

And finally, why do I do it? Apart from my love of animals, I firmly believe that every living creature deserves a second chance and, to quote a well known rehabilitator:

"An animal only owns one thing... its life."

Martin L. Turner