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HART HOSPITAL TEMPORARILY CLOSES
THE HART Wildlife Rescue hospital has had to temporarily close to new admissions. For the past 12 years the charity has grown out of all proportion and neither June and Bob Gibbs, or their semi-detached home and garden at Dellands, Overton, can keep up with the demands placed on them. Over 1000 admissions a year have been coming through their front door in recent years, as well as an endless troupe of volunteers who arrive every day to help clean out and feed the patients. "The strain of providing such an amazing service to wildlife from one's own home would have been intolerable for most people long before now and we must be very grateful to June and Bob for keeping it going for so many years," said David Horner, chairman of the trustees.
"Our big concern during this period of hospital closure is not just what will happen to all the sick, injured and abandoned creatures that members of the public will find and want saved, but also how the students who have been coming to us for work experience will cope with the news. There are very few facilities in Hampshire that can offer the training in wildlife care that HART has provided over the years and work experience is a vital part of their studies." However, HART will continue with its other important activities such as offering advice and information on wildlife care and rehabilitation through its web site and taking up invitations to visit schools and other organisations. For the past five years HART has been trying to raise funds for a purpose-built wildlife hospital and education centre which is so obviously needed to cater for the huge demand. Sadly, planning permission to build on a site in Kingsclere Road , Overton, expired in March and no other suitable land has been found. A domestic house and garden is not suitable in the long-term for caring for wildlife as peace and quiet is essential to their recovery. "While a team of fundraisers has been working well for many years the money raised has only managed to cover the day-to-day running costs of the centre and we are still short of the sum needed to build a new centre," David added. "We have recently opened a charity shop in Alton , and this is proving very successful, but we still need some substantial donations before we can proceed with building the new centre. Our intention is to keep the fundraising going and find somewhere suitable to build or acquire existing premises. "The level of demand for HART's service proves the need for the new centre and our efforts to raise the necessary funds and establish a new location will continue with determination." During the period of hospital closure it is suggested that anyone finding a wildlife casualty takes it to their local vet or rings the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 for advice . Please do not leave casualties outside the door at Dellands as this will cause great distress.
Further information please contact Jackie Grey (01264) 356253. HART Wildlife Rescue, Registered Charity Number: 1066760 Click HERE for HART main page |
