News Archive

National Helpline Sponsors

A young female Kestrel found by workers on a demolition site in Stratford, East London, has brought Raptor Rescue some good fortune, in the shape of a new sponsor for the National Help and Advice line.

The bird, nicknamed "Erica", was brought to Raptor Rescue's bird of prey hospital in Hertford by Community Relations Officer, Louise Donkin. Louise is employed by civil engineering company Skanska UK, who are currently involved in the construction of several sections of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, a high speed link from St. Pancras to the Kent coast.

It was on part of the huge Stratford construction site that a pair of Kestrels had raised their brood of two youngsters, which were about to fledge. One of the fledglings was able to fly to safety, but Erica wasn't ready to take to the air and ended up on the ground. She was rescued by one of the workers and put in a safe place, whilst Skanska's Environmental Team tried to find her a suitable refuge.

It was Louise's colleague Andy Fletcher who saved the day. Andy is keen on birds of prey and had previously been on falconry experience days at the Hawk Conservancy. Andy put in a call to Ashley Smith's bird of prey centre in Hampshire and they quickly passed on the Raptor Rescue National Helpline number. It wasn't long before the Kestrel was in the care of Raptor Rescue's Vice-Chairman George Duncalf. Louise drove to Hertford herself to deliver Erica and was so impressed by the work of the Charity that she promised to try to help with some funding.

True to her word, when Louise - and Andy - returned several days later to take part in releasing Erica back to the wild, she was pleased to announce that Skanska had agreed to sponsor the Raptor Rescue National Help and

So sincere thanks are due to Skanska, Louise, Andy and their colleagues, who have made it possible for the Charity to continue with the invaluable service of the Helpline for another twelve months. Oh yes, and thanks to you too, Erica!!

Picture: Raptor Rescue's Vice-Chairman, George Duncalf receives a cheque from Louise Donkin of Skanska UK, whilst Delilah, the European Eagle Owl looks on. The money will be used to run the Raptor Rescue National Help and Advice Line for one year. The calls to the Helpline have increased steadily since its inception in 1999, resulting in many more raptors being rescued and treated by the Charity's rehabilitators.

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