East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) has reported increased numbers of traffic-related injuries to deer in the county and that injuries are becoming more severe.

It accepted global warming might be contributing to more regular appearances of marine animals such as the harbour seal at inland tidal river locations including Lewes and Alfriston. As fish stocks are depleted or migrate from deep waters, these mammals simply follow their food source.

A noticeable trend is that hedgehogs are breeding more and mating later in the year. As a result many young animals have been reported around Sussex in autumn and winter months when they should be hibernating.

Wildlife observers believe this is due to the exceptional warmth of recent autumns and note that hedgehogs are having up to three litters a year. When cold weather arrives many mothers abandon their young and animal welfare groups such as WRAS are left to pick up the pieces.

Trevor Weeks, founder and rescue co-ordinator of WRAS, told the Express: 'It would be too glib to attribute all these changes to global warming but there are definitely major changes occurring in plant growth and related insect life as a result of temperature change. And these are having a knock-on effect in terms of what species of birds and animals can survive in Sussex.'

Looking forward to 2008, Trevor said: 'Our new unit at Horsebridge, near Hailsham, will be our next challenge. Although the facility is up and running we still have a lot to do and face new challenges in terms of attracting volunteers and managing the centre.'

He added: 'Our focus has always been on rescuing animals and while that will continue to be our core activity there will be big demands in terms of recruitment and financial management.'

WRAS will be ramping up its fund raising efforts and is looking for volunteers to help organise sponsorship events and collections at supermarkets.

WRAS does not have sanctuary facilities and focuses on returning animals to their natural habitat.

The Horsebridge facility, in the grounds of the Horsebridge Veterinary Practice, will be able to accommodate animals up to the size of a small deer as well as bird life such as swans which are hard to care for.