AS temperatures have soared across Somerset, volunteers at Secret World Wildlife Rescue have been busier than ever as they have been inundated with animal rescues.

A spokesman for the wildlife centre, in East Huntspill, says an increased amount of wildlife has been affected by the lack of rain over the last month.

The centre has more than 700 animals currently under their specialist care and more than 250 of them are gulls.

“Herring gulls have been arriving at the centre almost by the hour over the last fortnight,” the spokesman said.

“Hot surfaces and a lack of shade are causing many of the birds to be brought in with severe sunburn on their feet.”

On July 12 the animal charity was featured in a special report for BBC’s One’s The One Show which looked at how animals are coping during the hot summer.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World, said the rescue centre is ‘extremely busy’ at the moment.

“It’s all hands on deck this summer. With so many animals needing to come in, some of our drivers have been out every day for the past three weeks,” Pauline said.

“We have some animals such as badgers that are ready to be released but until the ground softens, there is no food out there for them, which is delaying their release.

“This increases the amount of work to be done as well as the ongoing costs required to care for them.

“We have a fantastic volunteer network but we would love to hear from people who are interested in helping us throughout the summer.”

As the warm weather continues to stay warm, the wildlife centre is asking people to put fresh water out each day for wildlife and to consider feeding them until there is enough rain to enable them to forage for themselves.

Samantha Hannay, head of external relations at Secret World, said the centre needs donations to assist with the cost of increased water bills and veterinary treatment.

“We are caring for 80 hedgehogs at the moment, which is an unusually high number for this time of the year,” Samantha said.

“Both adults and young alike are struggling to find sufficient food and water, so extra provisions can be a lifesaver.

“With the stretch on resources, we would welcome food donations and extra help. Financial donations to assist with the cost of increased water bills and veterinary treatment would be gratefully received.”