Rescue centre appeals for help after storm damage

A rescue centre has asked for people's help after its waterfowl pools were damaged in heavy snow in Storm Goretti.

"Urgent repairs" were needed for the pools which help swans, geese, ducks and other water birds recover from injuries and acclimatise to outdoor weather, Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock said.

The centre, which has been caring for animals for more than 40 years, has set a fundraising goal of £10,000 the pools and safety netting were damaged. The centre needs new poles, news nets and also needs to carry out repairs.

"Hundreds of ducklings will be arriving in the next few months and the pools play a vital part in their treatment," assistant manager Becky Lewis said.

Swans have temporarily used a shallow pool inside the rescue centre while the outdoor pools are out of use, but Lewis said that they were "so small" the birds were unable to swim.

"It's stressful at the moment with the pools broken and no netting over the top goes against bird flu protocols," she said.

The rescue is currently caring for about 50 animals, looking after all British wildlife species and expects hundreds of animals as the warmer months return.

"It will be a much bigger relief when they are repaired so animals can finish rehab," Lewis said.

She added that every donation, big or small, "truly helped" the rescue centre and thanked the public for supporting the water birds.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.