The Mallydams Wood tragedy
In 2021, under government orders*, our wildlife centre in East Sussex was forced to close and put to sleep all birds, following positive test results for bird flu. The cull was ordered to limit the spread of disease and mitigate any potential risk to public health.
This was devastating for our staff, after weeks of looking after the birds, many of which were not infected. The outbreak of 2021–2022 was the largest ever worldwide** and killed tens of thousands of birds in the UK alone.
Right now, we’re still vulnerable. We can’t safely quarantine and test birds that may have been exposed to infection. Without being able to separate them, every bird we're caring for remains at risk.
This heartbreak has driven us to act. We’re determined that no bird - and no member of our team - should face this trauma again. The solution exists, and with your help, we can build it.
We’re all heartbroken and don’t have the words to explain how we’re feeling...
The solution – building a biosecure future
We can build a biosecure aviary at our West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset — one of four new facilities designed to protect wild birds.
The proposed biosecure aviary will be located at a safe distance away and will enable us to manage the risk of bird flu safely, whilst protecting other birds in the centre, and those caring for them. This specialised facility will allow us to:
Safely triage birds for quick treatment without endangering other species.
Care for healthy birds in isolation units.
Protect our dedicated staff from contamination during outbreaks.
Give us the best possible chance of preventing healthy birds from being culled in future outbreaks.
Your impact – building hope together
The total project costs £462,091, but we’re asking you to help specifically with the £205,700 needed for the aviary construction – the heart of this life-saving project. A charitable trust has already committed £15,000, leaving £190,700 to raise.
This facility isn’t just about buildings and equipment — it’s about giving us the best chance to prevent healthy birds dying. Whatever you can give will take us one step nearer to building this life-saving aviary.
Your gift today will directly help protect thousands of birds for years to come – giving each one the chance to recover and return to the wild.
The birds we've saved
Oona the puffin
Oona was found disoriented, severely underweight and 110 miles inland. Over three weeks of rehabilitation, her bright eyes returned and her feathers regained their sheen. When she was ready, she was released at Skomer Island, joining a thriving puffin colony.
But during the bird flu outbreak years, we wouldn’t have been able to help Oona. Seabirds were too high-risk. We would’ve had to turn her away.
The injured swan
The injured swan had swallowed fishing tackle and an X-ray confirmed a hook was lodged deep inside. Gentle handling and expert surgery removed the obstruction, and days of rest allowed him to regain his correct posture.
But at the height of avian-flu restrictions, waterfowl were classified high-risk, and in those months, this swan might have been turned away.
The sparrowhawk
After a collision with a car, this sparrowhawk’s delicate bones, which are required for flying, were injured. With rest, care and pain relief provided by our vet, she regained her strength. The moment she stretched her wings and took flight was the reward we work for.
But during bird flu outbreaks, this sparrowhawk might have been refused as a high-risk admission.
Every pound you give will protect birds like these
All donations will go directly towards building the new biosecure aviary at West Hatch
Wildlife Centre. Your support will help us stop deadly diseases spreading — giving more
birds the best chance to survive and return to the wild. Should we raise insufficient funds
we will continue to talk to other funders. Should we raise surplus funds they will cover the costs of caring for birds at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset.
*DEFRA article 13(c) Avian Influenza Order 2006.
**DEFRA & WOAH reported detections in UK.