Adventures of a Volunteer Driver

I responded to an invitation on the Facebook page and signed up as a driver with Wildlife in Need. When asked if I would catch wildlife, I said yes and bought a big net.

I volunteered for a few hours every Monday morning, anticipating a backlog after the weekend. It was May, and I quickly realised it was peak season for baby birds. My first rescue was nine fluffy chicks who had lost their mother. Despite searching, we couldn't find her.

Next, I rescued a two-day-old cygnet, handed in by a member of the public after being attacked by an adult male swan. Named Pipi by the emergency vet, I took him to the Swannery at Abbotsbury for a peaceful upbringing.

A few days later, I freed a swift that had become tangled in netting. Thankfully, it was unhurt, and I released it back to its nest in Kings Park, Bournemouth.

As summer progressed, I became adept at catching seagulls and pigeons with my large net, enjoying the company of the lovely people I met.

I’ve climbed out of windows, scaled stepladders, and searched warehouses. My proudest moment was rescuing an anxious seagull from a Wendy House in a nursery school playground, under the watchful eyes of 20 admiring four-year-olds.

Swan in a Seatbelt

I began volunteering by driving injured and sick animals to Lynne, our Founder, during my furlough after the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, I was just a driver, but as time went on, I felt a growing desire to be more involved. I approached Lynne, eager to learn, and she was more than happy to teach me the ropes. This opportunity has turned out to be the most rewarding experience of my life. Volunteering with wildlife isn't always easy or glamorous. One memorable rescue involved a swan that had crash-landed in a farmer's field. With no other options, I had to quickly remove my top and use it to safely catch the swan. On another occasion, a fellow volunteer and I found ourselves wading neck-deep in the chilly waters of the River Stour, determined to rescue a stranded animal.

Despite the occasional challenges, there have been countless moments of joy and satisfaction. Many of the rescues are straightforward, like collecting injured pigeons or helping lost ducklings find their way, but each one brings its own sense of accomplishment. I’ve met so many incredible people along the way, all dedicated to the same cause of helping wildlife in need.

There are so many stories I could share, each one adding to the rich tapestry of experiences I've gained. Volunteering in this way has not only deepened my appreciation for wildlife but has also connected me with a community of like-minded, passionate individuals.

Building Our Team of DIY Volunteers

I first encountered the incredible volunteers at Wildlife in Need when I brought in an injured baby blackbird. During that visit, I met Lynne, the founder, and it was the first time I had the opportunity to hold and feed a baby bird. The experience was profoundly moving—I was instantly hooked.

Shortly after, I learned that Wildlife in Need was looking for help with building a shed and sourcing materials for their growing operations. My partner and I didn’t hesitate to volunteer for the DIY team. We both enjoy lending a hand whenever we can, whether it’s assembling structures or fixing up the facilities. The work is hands-on and sometimes challenging, but every moment is filled with a deep sense of purpose. Over time, I’ve also had the privilege of caring for several baby birds at home, nurturing them until they were strong enough to be released. Each successful recovery is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my commitment to this cause.

The sense of camaraderie among the volunteers is truly special. I feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team. The love and care that each volunteer pours into their work, especially under the demanding conditions they often face, is nothing short of miraculous. Lynne and the team are true miracle workers, managing to do so much with limited resources but an abundance of heart. It’s this shared passion for wildlife that makes every volunteer effort so meaningful.