About the event

The Gower Bird Hospital, tucked away on a quiet lane not far from Parkmill, treats about 1,600 wildlife patients every year with the avowed intention of returning them to the wild, healthy and able to fend for themselves.

Dr Dan Forman, who’s Associate Professor at Swansea University and the County Mammals Recorder is a long-time supporter of the Gower Bird Hospital and will tell all about this very special, volunteer-driven charity.

He will explain where the wild patients come from, who makes the referrals and how creatures as tiny and fragile as baby blue tits are treated and reared. He will also tell how birds with fractured wings can be rehabilitated. In addition to birds, the hospital also treats many small mammals which may have been injured in road accidents or orphaned.

Simon Allen, who has run the hospital for nearly 30 years, and is also Vice-Chair of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, says it’s where “science and compassion are brought together.”

One of the strong messages from the hospital is that if you find an injured or distressed wild animal, you should not attempt to treat it or rear it at home, but instead contact the nearest wildlife rescue centre as soon as possible so that the creature gets the best possible, appropriate care to meet its needs.

The hall will be open from 7.15pm so that hot tea or coffee, cold drinks and biscuits can be served before the talk starts at 7.30pm.

Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Only assistance dogs only are permitted in the hall, thank you. The hall is fully accessible with accessible toilets and parking nearby.

We ask for donations of at least £1 per adult towards Wildlife Trust funds. There will also be a collection for the Gower Bird Hospital.

Main image and logo thanks to the Gower Bird Hospital.

Autumn hoglet image: Janet Hawkins