17/07/2026
A polite reminder about respect, wildlife and when we can intervene.
Our staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to help thousands of wildlife casualties every year. We understand that finding a young or vulnerable animal can be upsetting, and that people who contact us are often worried and emotional. However, we will not tolerate our team being spoken to in an abusive, aggressive or threatening manner.
Our advice is based on experience, animal welfare and the law. There will sometimes be situations where it is neither appropriate nor beneficial for us to intervene, even when that decision may be difficult to understand.
Fledgling birds are a common example. Nearly all young birds go through a stage where they leave the nest before they can fly confidently. They may spend several days on the ground or low in vegetation while their parents continue to feed and protect them, even if you can't see them.
A healthy fledgling should not normally be brought into care simply because it is on the ground or because predators are present. Exceptions normally include birds that are visibly injured, unwell, trapped or in immediate danger—for example, wandering on a busy road.
Predation is an unavoidable part of the natural world. If every healthy fledgling at possible risk from a cat, fox, bird of prey or another predator were taken into care, wildlife rescue centres across the country would quickly become overwhelmed. Removing healthy young birds can also separate them from their parents and reduce their chances of developing the skills they need to survive in the wild.
Fledglings will often hide quietly beneath plants, behind flower pots or in other sheltered areas. Their parents may only approach when people have moved away, so please watch from a distance and keep cats, dogs and children away wherever possible.
It can be distressing to witness natural behaviour, just as it can be difficult to watch wildlife documentaries showing predators hunting prey. However, predators are wildlife too, and natural predation plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The vast majority of casualties admitted to our centre have been affected directly or indirectly by human activity. Our role is to help address the harm caused by roads, litter, fencing, netting, pollution, building work, fishing tackle and many other human-made hazards.
There is a fine line between helping wildlife and interfering with a natural process. We appreciate that people may hold different views, but we ask that our staff and volunteers are treated with courtesy and respect when explaining why intervention may not be appropriate.
For wildlife of every shape and size, we must respect that wild animals are wild.
