S.O.S. IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUR OWL-REACH RESCUE SERVICE

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is looking for volunteers to join our Owl-Reach Team, a dedicated rescue service for sick and injured wild birds of prey.

We run a helpline for members of the public to report sick and injured birds of prey, but sometimes they are unable to transport the birds themselves to our Raptor Hospital at Stonham Barns.

We’re looking for volunteers who may be called upon to assist with the capture and transportation of birds to us. We have the facilities to treat and rehabilitate birds of prey, and we work closely with specialist avian vets to ensure the best care for our patients. Our Raptor Hospital is routinely inspected to ensure that we meet best practice requirements and the welfare of the birds is our first priority.

If you live in Norfolk, Suffolk or Essex and are happy to help transport birds to us, we’d like to hear from you - you will play a valuable part in supporting our conservation efforts. Please consider these requirements if you would like to lend a hand.

Requirements:
Minimum age 21
Volunteers must have their own transport
Volunteers may be called upon between the hours of 8am and 8pm.
Volunteers may be asked to keep birds in the box overnight before transporting them to SOS in the morning. A safe, quiet and warm area should be available for this where they live.
Volunteers must not keep any poultry or other birds, to avoid risks of Avian Influenza.
Volunteers should maintain a professional standard when dealing with members of the public.

Training
We will provide all training required. Volunteers will not be expected to carry out medical treatments on birds

Equipment
We will provide each volunteer with basic equipment to support their efforts in bringing birds to us. This will include a travel box, towels and thick gloves. We advise that volunteers wear reflective tabards when collecting birds after dark.

Expenses
Volunteers will be able to claim mileage from their house to the pick up point and then to SOS, if desired.

Benefits
Volunteers may be asked to assist with the release of birds once they have recovered
Volunteers will be issued with a free family ticket to Suffolk Owl Sanctuary for every 6 months volunteering.
Volunteers will be notified of events etc. to enable priority bookings before they go on general sale.
Volunteers will be invited to staff and/or volunteer events and celebrations.

If you meet the requirements and would like more information about this role, please email the following details to: maz@owlbarn.co.uk or call 03456 807897

Name
Contact Number
Address (first line and postcode)
Availability (doesn’t have to be exact, but if you have commitments at certain times of day/ week it would be useful to know)
Distance you’re prepared to travel (mileage expenses can be covered if required)