Huge success as RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre open day raises more than £10,000

lucy.carter@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 16:33, 31 August 2023

| Updated: 10:08, 01 September 2023

A rare open day held at a Wildlife Centre had a staggering turnout at the weekend which raised more than £10,000.

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits at East Winch Wildlife Centre on Sunday and more than 3,000 people came to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

It was the first open day to be held since 2017 due to the pandemic, and visitors got the chance to learn more about what goes on inside a busy working RSPCA wildlife hospital.

Hayley Bennett with Maia (10) and Thea (8). Picture: Ian Burt

The centre had also laid out some fun activities for the visitors including a hedgehog trail, owl pellet dissection, a chance to see the seals being fed and lots of talks throughout the hospital.

RSPCA centre manager Evangelos Achilleos said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support for our open day. It was just incredible to see so many people come out and support us.

“We had well over 3,000 people visit and it was just heartwarming so many people took the time to come and visit us.

Learning lots at the open day are Gabriel (6) and Scout (3). Pictures: Ian Burt Learning lots at the open day. Gabriel (6) and Scout (3)

“The rain in the afternoon made things trickier but still the crowds kept arriving. We are so grateful for everyone’s support for the wildlife centre - and we still can’t quite believe that we raised a staggering £10,000 from the event.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who visited us, donated gifts, sponsored us, gave raffle or tombola prizes, to our amazing staff and volunteers and all stall holders.

“We’d also like to thank other organisations who took the time to come and visit such as the police, BDMLR, our inspectorate and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. A special thanks also to the Friends of Horsey Seals whose volunteers also came down to help.

Debbie Hompage showing how equipment works. Picture: Ian Burt.

“All our animals will be the ones who will benefit from this amazing amount of fundraising and their rehabilitation journey and release will be helped due to everyone’s support.”

There are currently 300 animals being cared for at the centre including seals, owls, hedgehogs, ducklings, fledgling garden birds.

Last year the centre dealt with just under 3,000 animal admissions.