The Oaks and Furrows RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Cricklade has launched an urgent fundraising appeal after losing both of its wildlife rescue ambulances — leaving the centre without a working vehicle to respond to emergencies.
The hospital, which covers North Wiltshire, East Berkshire and South Gloucestershire, said its remaining ambulance - the newer of its two - is currently off the road with mechanical issues. The second, much older vehicle, has now been permanently retired.
Despite the setback, staff and volunteers say the centre remains open for admissions, but are asking the public to bring injured or sick wildlife directly to the hospital while repairs and replacement plans are underway.
Last year, Oaks and Furrows’ two ambulances together covered more than 25,000 miles, collecting and transporting injured animals to the Cricklade site, taking them to vets, and releasing rehabilitated wildlife back into their natural habitats - with journeys reaching as far as Portishead.
The team is now appealing for donations to help fund a new wildlife ambulance, ideally an electric model that would reduce both running costs and the hospital’s carbon footprint.
“With just one wildlife ambulance covering such a large area, our rescue capabilities are limited,” the centre said. “Two fully operational ambulances mean we can respond faster to emergencies and help more wildlife in need.
Every mile driven in the new vehicle will be thanks to generous donors who help make it possible.”
Donations will go directly towards the purchase of a replacement van, with any additional funds supporting other welfare needs within the branch.
For more information or to donate, visit the Oaks and Furrows RSPCA Wildlife Hospital Facebook page or the official RSPCA Wiltshire North branch website. Or to donate visit their fundraising page here.
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