Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill, Somerset, will celebrate its 25^th anniversary with a Silver Easter Bonanza weekend from 14 to 17 April 2017.

Founded as Bluebell Sett in 1992, the wildlife charity has planned a number of events throughout its silver jubilee year. The open weekend at Easter will kick off the festivities as Secret World looks back on the past 25 years but also looks forward to its future.

David Foulds, CEO at Secret World, said: “Secret World, founded by the amazing Pauline Kidner, has achieved incredible things in the past 25 years. We rescue over 5,000 wild animals and birds each year.

“We are now looking towards the next stage in our development and have had to make significant on-site changes to cope with the increasing demands of wildlife rescue in the area.”

Secret World opened its recently refurbished education centre, the Bluebell Barn, last year. This Easter weekend will see the official opening of the Jubilee Pathway by players from Yeovil Ladies Town Football Club. The pathway leads to the barn and will improve access to the site for those with limited mobility. People will also be able to purchase a brick and have a dedication inscribed.

David added: “Our priority for Secret World now is to ensure the charity is sustainable for the 25 years to come. We’d lost our aim a little along the way so we are refocusing our activity.

“Our main aim has always been to rehabilitate and release the animals in our care. Revisions to British Veterinary Zoological guidelines also means that we can’t parade animals for people’s entertainment. Instead, we are installing cameras in our hospital facilities so visitors can see in real time the amazing work our animal carers do.

“Educating the public about the plight of British wildlife is also at the core of what we stand for. To that effect, we have recently launched our Wild Academy for children and we regularly run courses for adults too.”

The Silver Easter Bonanza weekend will provide plenty of educational opportunities for young and old with a treasure hunt, wildlife-themed crafting activities and talks about hedgehogs, birds of prey, bugs and badgers.

There will of course also be room for more playful entertainment such as tombolas, axe throwing and a pie face challenge.

Even the more daring ones out there can challenge themselves to a fire walk on the Saturday evening.

The event, apart from the fire walk, is free to attend but donations are encouraged. For more information and opening times, please go to https://www.secretworld.org/Event/silver-easter-bonanza

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Secret World Wildlife Rescue

• Secret World Wildlife Rescue is one of the South West’s leading wildlife rescue charities (charity number 1097119) based in East Huntspill in Somerset.
• Now in its 25^th year, Secret World Wildlife Rescue cares for more than 5,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.
• As well as being a respected source of expertise and a centre of excellence where British wildlife receives the best care, Secret World has an extensive volunteer programme and engages with schools to promote respect for wildlife and the environment, adding further benefits to the local community.
• As Secret World does not receive any government funding, it relies entirely on the generosity of supporters and donors to carry out this important work for British wildlife.
• The charity’s website is www.secretworld.org

Sarah-Jane Freni
Account Director
Shooting Star
0117 3131120
sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk

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