Wildlife rescue charity to appear on national TV programme

Oak and Furrows wildlife rescue charity, based in the Blakehill nature reserve near Cricklade, will appear on BBC One’s Countryfile in January.

The charity was recognised for its tireless work providing care to wild animals across the county.

Oak and Furrows, which currently counts 38 hedgehogs, a short eared owl and a bat among its unusual residents, will be seen by up to seven million viewers in the new year,

Serena Stevens, founder of the charity, said she hoped Oak and Furrow’s starring turn would highlight responsible care for animals.

“We’ll always try our best to help any animal that comes in and it’s great that it’s being recognised and more people can learn about and see how to care for wild animals and the work that we do,” she said.

“I take everything in my stride but it is very exciting news for us. I don’t really get nervous about appearing on TV but it’s certainly an honour to be asked and we hope it will raise awareness of the good work that we do here.”

It won’t be the charity’s first turn on national TV. Last year Serena appeared on animal lover Paul O’Grady’s show with a selection of wild animals the charity cares for.

“It was amazing and he was just like he is on TV,” Serena said.

“He even took a baby jackdaw back to his dressing room and he was so interested in everything we do and it was great to have that support,” she said.

Oak and Furrows staff are now gearing up for a winter influx of furry, feathered and prickly customers including hedgehogs, wood pigeons and foxes.

The charity are appealing for donations of dog and cat food to help them feed their ever increasing number of hungry animal customers.

“Hedgehogs are listed as a declining species which is something that is very sad and we must all do our bit to look after them,” Serena said.

“We would really appreciate meat flavoured dog and cat food to feed our animals. We would also tell people to ensure they help wild birds out as much as they can. At this time of year the weather is completely against them and they need as much help as possible to survive the cold winter months.”

Oak and Furrows provide care for around 60 animal patients at any one time. From fallen fledgling birds to hibernating hedgehogs and deer the charity has been providing care to sick and injured wild animals since 1996.

To cope with their increasing demand the charity recently moved from their Somerford Keys base to the Blakehill Farm nature reserve in Wiltshire.

To donate to the charity visit www.justgiving.com/oakandfurrows