Sussex seagull rescue says 'you need to play your part'

South Coast and UK Bird/Gull Volunteer Network, run by Justin King, is ‘at crisis’ due to low numbers of volunteers in East Sussex.

He believes people need to ‘do their bit’ to ensure injured birds – specifically seagulls – can get the help they need ahead of a busy summer season.

He said retired firemen and builders, who can help place gull chicks back on rooftops, are ‘especially welcome’. The rescue network is also seeking drivers to collect injured birds – plus anyone else with a passion for wildlife from Seaford to Hampden Park.

“We have had so many [volunteers] drop out that we are now at a crisis,” Justin said.

"The long and short of it is, 80 to 90 per cent of people screaming out for help in the summer months aren’t going to get it.

“People are very good at posting on Facebook and expecting someone else to come running. This summer, there’s no one to come running.”

The group rescues all kinds of birds – jackdaws, pigeons and crows are recent examples – but focusses specifically on ‘misunderstood’ gulls.

Justin said he is ‘veracious’ when it comes to the species.

"[Gulls] are just as worthy as any other forms of wildlife, but many wildlife sites aren’t interested in dealing with them,” he said.

“They’re very misunderstood birds. There’s always going to be people who love them and people who hate them.”

It’s not just wildlife rescuers who should be making an effort, though. Justin said the general public should ‘play your part’ to take the load off of volunteers.

“If you’ve got a car and don’t have a bird phobia, there is no excuse for not picking up a casualty,” he said.

“If a casualty is on the road, you can get a towel or a coat, you can improvise. Corner it up against something, throw a towel over them – that’s what immobilises a casualty – pick it up, take it with you in the car if you’re going to work and ask for help on the way, or take it home and ask for help.

“In the case of gull chicks, they need to go back on the rooftops.

“If you see a casualty, you as a finder are the first person who decides if that casualty lives or dies.”

Justin also said people can help by donating to dedicated seagull rescue centre Bird Aid in Hailsham.

The charity is currently fundraising for ‘urgent building work’ to keep their injured gulls safe from predators.

For more information, and to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/birdaidworks.

To enquire about volunteering for South Coast and UK Bird/Gull Volunteer Network, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/385523575455222, or email: [email protected].