Cash-strapped Lower Moss nature reserve fights for survival

Cash-strapped Lower Wood Moss Nature Reserve fears it may not survive the winter.

The wildlife hospital takes in around 2,000 casualties every year and is desperate for funds.

This buzzard was saved by the dedicated team at Lower Moss (Image: Supplied)

Looking after and treating wildlife costs around £60,000 per year.

The sanctuary, founded 35 years ago, has been overwhelmed with support since launching an appeal.

These baby owls were brought to the sanctuary as orphans and were hand reared, ringed and released (Image: Supplied)

But, many more donations are now needed to secure the future of this charity.

Vicky Boag-Munroe, who works at the 18-acre nature reserve, said: “It has been phenomenal.

This tawny owl was brought to the reserve after being clipped by a car (Image: Supplied)

“We have had a couple of large donations since our most recent plea.

“Even people out of the country are rallying which is mind blowing and incredible.

This great crested grebe was brought to the reserve as an orphan (Image: Supplied)

“We received £500 from one wellwisher in America.

“But this needs to continue.

“We are struggling, our donations are down.

“With the cost of living crisis, all our costs, feed, medication and power have gone up a lot.

“We can’t do what we do without the support of the public.

“We and the animals need them more than ever at the moment.”

Encouraging children to learn about wildlife has always been a key aim of the sanctuary.

Vicky Boag-Munroe, from the reserve, shows children a barn owl on a school visit (Image: Supplied)

More than 60,000 pupils have visited the reserve to become one with nature and volunteers regularly visit schools.

A myriad of creatures from tiny chicks, cygnets and ducklings to hedghogs, foxes, badgers and owls have been nursed back to health by the devoted team.

Day and night, volunteers are on hand to rescue abandoned, injured and orphaned animals.

Vicky said: “Weeks ago, a stunning male buzzard was brought to us in a terrible state after being found grounded at th4e edge of a pool.

“There was concern that he’d aspirated water from the pool.

“He was painfully think, so weak he couldn’t stand or feed himself and the tip of his tongue was swollen and sore.

“It was very much touch-and-go.”

But after painstaking efforts, the bird is now on the mend.

Vicky said: “After many hours of expert care and lots of hand feeds, he has recovered so well he is now in an outdoor aviary, continuing to recover, putting on weight and muscle and is happily feeding himself again.

“Not long now until he can be released back where he belongs.”

The reserve is the only facility of its kind in this area and wants to continue to provide precious animal welfare.

Vicky added: “Funds are low and bills are high.

“There is a real possibility the charity may be lost during the winter.

“Please support our work in any way you can. Tell your family and friends about us.

“Run your own little fundraising event.

“We need you now more than ever and so do the animals we care for.

“We literally can’t do what we do without people like you. Thank you.”

To find out more and donate visit lowermosswood.com or support this appeal lowermosswood.enthuse.com/helplmw