SECRET World Wildlife Rescue is appealing for help after high speed winds damaged their aviaries.

The East Huntspill wildlife charity said four aviaries housing resident birds had their roofs blown off late at night due to high speed winds earlier this month, leaving the pens damaged beyond repair.

As a result the charity is now appealing for materials and workers to volunteer their time to help them rebuild the pens to rehouse the birds.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: “The aviaries are very old and we were just very relieved that the aviaries had remained intact and we hadn’t lost any of the birds.

“We had to move them in to temporary housing which is enclosures used for wildlife casualties which are designed to stop them from seeing humans.

“Luckily at this time of year we are fairly quiet so the pens are not in use.

“This is only a temporary measure until we can find the funds to rebuild the pens as they are beyond repair.

“It has meant that we have moved them away from the area where all the staff are moving through and also, Daphne, another Eagle Owl remains as she has a new pen.”

The wildlife centre said the incident has affected a number of their birds including barn owls, kestrels and a European Eagle Owl called Mumbles who is calling a lot at night as he doesn’t understand where everyone has gone.

Mrs Kidner said bird handlers at the centre have been coming in regularly to give the birds a chance to come out but said the birds keep calling to each other and it is ‘sad’ to hear.

She said: “It has been a very tough year financially and we just aren’t in the position to be able to build anything at the moment.

“If anyone is able to help us with donated materials, man power or donations we would love to hear from them.”

The charity usually cares for more than 5,000 wildlife casualties each year but due to extreme weather conditions this year the number of animal admissions has increased and the amount of revenue has fallen.

If you can help the charity to rebuild their aviaries call Pauline Kidner on 01278 783250 or email info@sectetworld.org or for more information visit secretworld.org.