AN East Huntspill wildlife has launched an urgent appeal for release sites to give orphaned animals the best chance.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue in New Road Farm is getting ready to see more than 3,000 animals come through their doors between April and September as orphan season begins.

The wildlife charity is on the search new release sites where they can teach animals to fend for themselves before they are released back into the wild.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: “Orphan season starts from now.

“The arrival of badger and fox cubs really increases dramatically as soon as the orphan bird season starts from April onwards.

“Out of the 5,000 wildlife casualties that we take in annually, 3,500 arrive between April and September so this is a very busy part of the season. We have one fox cub in already.

“Adults always go back to where they have come from but orphans are more labour intensive as we have to find new homes for them.

“After all the time spent on rearing these animals, we want to make use that they will have the best chance of survival so we try to do soft releases.

“This means that once the animal is self -sufficient they will be placed in aviaries or enclosures on the land where they are to be released. The land owner will feed them for approximately two to three weeks, to allow them to get used to their surroundings.

“A door will be opened then, allowing them to leave their pens but still giving them the chance to return for food until they are able to fend for themselves. Food is supplied to the landowner to save any costs. Most animals become ready for release by the end of the summer.”

The centre said its wildlife release manager will be surveying land which could be suitable for release sites over the next few weeks.

Pauline said she would urge landowners to get in touch if they are happy for their land to be used as a release site and appealed for volunteers to help get the release sites up and running.

“”The release sites are crucial as we need to move animals out to independence as soon as possible as this affects casualties coming in to us,” Pauline said.

“It may be that a landowner is prepared to take badgers or foxes in which case an artificial pen may need to be built. But we also need people with a large garden where a temporary aviary can be sited.

“It is exciting to be part of seeing animals going back to the wild and giving them a second chance but we also need volunteers to help preparing release sites, building new pens, donating food or donations helps with the care of animals as well as travelling expenses – all of which means we can carry out our work.”

If you can help call wildlife release manager Jamie Kingscott on 07488589959 or 01278 768706.