Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue have announced plans to build a new, purpose-built animal hospital in South Oxfordshire.
The long-standing charity is the first port of call for many with a sick, injured or trapped wild animal, and currently operates from a small casualty and rehabilitation site in Blewbury.
Although its grown since its origins in the home of founders Luke and Ruth in 2018, the charity says the Blewbury base is no longer bigger enough for the demand it's facing.
Now, the charity's CEO has announced, Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue has bought land in Sutton Courtenay with the intention of building a dedicated wildlife care rehabilitation hospital.
Luke Waclawek, founder and CEO of the charity, said: "I made a promise back in 2020, during lockdown, that Oxfordshire would one day have its own dedicated wildlife hospital.
"As the founder of this charity, it means so much to share that we’re now putting everything together to make that promise a reality.
"After nearly two years of fighting for this land, I’m incredibly proud to share that Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue has officially become the owner of some land at Sutton Courtenay.
"Our supporters managed to raise over £100,000 towards this appeal. But we also received help from some individual stakeholders who share our vision.
"I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this incredible milestone."
The new hospital will be built on land south of Hobbyhorse Lane in Sutton Courtenay, but building has not yet started and no opening date has been announced.
Purpose-built for the needs of the busy wildlife rescue, the new hospital will have on-site triage and vet facilities, specialist patient wards, nursery and early care for young animals, aviaries and waterfowl areas and mammal rehabilitation spaces.
It will also have much-needed dedicated hedgehog care, to give specialist support to the vulnerable species after 153 hogs found themselves sick or injured and in the care of the wildlife rescue this August - a record number of patients for a single animal group.
The new hospital will create opportunities for people, too, as Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue plans to offer professional development and training for vet and animal care students, something which Mr Waclawek believes 'is just as important as the work we do today'.
The news couldn't have come at a better time for the staff and volunteers at the wildlife rescue, as it is currently closed to new admissions of animals in need as the Blewbury centre has been at full capacity since the end of September.
The CEO is now inviting anyone who wants to get involved as a business or construction partner, fundraiser, volunteer or sponsor to get in touch.
Mr Waclawek added: "We’re inviting everyone who would like to help make this vision a reality to get involved.
"This hospital is for our community and the local wildlife. Whatever help you can offer will be greatly appreciated."
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