Birds of prey charity needs new home (From Swindon Advertiser)

Birds of prey charity needs new home

10:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

THE founder of a birds of prey charity is hoping for a new home in Swindon which will help the charity soar.

Wings Of Freedom is a self-supporting charity that was founded more than 25 years ago by Colin Sutherland as a voluntary group to rescue birds of prey.

As founding trustee, Colin is a specialist in the many fields of rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work with owls and birds of prey, a keeper of owls and a life-long falconer.

Now Colin has started helping people with disability become involved with owls and birds of prey as a unique therapy, but is looking for a new home in Swindon after issues with planning has resulted in the charity losing its home in Lambourne.

Colin had originally hoped to set up the centre at Lydiard Park, but timing meant that it could not happen and he is now seeking any spare land in Swindon to start up the centre.

His plan is to build the first UK centre of its kind that combines helping owls and birds of prey and combining that with aiding people with disability and special needs through educational facilities.

Colin said: “Obviously our main and first concern is the many sick, injured and other owls and birds of prey that depend on our charity, the people with disability and special needs we help.

“The building of our new facilities and centre will create huge benefits for these unique birds, people with disability, special needs and everyone, also for the environment and for the wildlife that depend on it.

“We need all the help and support we can get, no matter how small, therefore any offer of support is greatly appreciated.”

To find out more about the charity and the new centre visit www.wings-of-freedom.org.uk.