THE number of baby animals rescued by a wildlife charity has trebled in the past few weeks.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has saved fox cubs, ducklings, baby pigeons, blackbirds and robins as well as young animals which have struggled over winter.

The number of daily calls has risen from seven to 25.

Ducklings were rescued during the weekend after the service received a number of calls about them running around without a mother in Church Road and Brightling Road, Polegate. Only two were found.

The four-week-old fox cub was found wandering in the middle of the A267 in Horam and was handed in at a nearby garden centre. He joins two others already in care.

WRAS manager Kathy Martyn is hand-rearing the baby wood pigeons after their nest was knocked out of a tree in Hampden Park, Eastbourne.

Charity founder Trevor Weeks said: “Animals are run ragged searching for food, defending their food sources and territories, and trying to keep their young safe from predators and disturbance.

“On top of this they have to run the gauntlet of roads, our pet cats and dogs, as well as litter, pollution and environmental disturbance.

“As a result the number of casualties in recent weeks has trebled. This is an annual event for us and we rely on public support to help us fund the food, equipment and veterinary care for the thousands of casualties which come into care at this time of year.”

Mr Weeks said the charity is small but achieves a lot with what is donated.

He said: “We are very cost effective. This winter we spent a lot of time and money improving our facilities so we can take in more casualties, but these are one-off costs.

“To expand we also need more people to help by making regular donations. We know not everyone is in a position to commit to a regular donation so we are asking people to either make a one-off donation, to make a donation on a regular basis by setting up a standing order for as little as £1 a month, or to increase their current donation by just £1 a month.”

How to donate

THE WRAS is not publicly funded and relies on donations from the public.

To support the charity call 01825 873003 or visit wildlifeambulance.org

Donations can be made by post to East Sussex WRAS, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE.