THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is receiving a rising number of calls from the public concerned for wildlife due to an unusually warm winter.

The mild weather has caused added dangers for wildlife, with reports of hedgehogs leaving hibernation early and councils unable to remove Christmas trees due to nesting birds.

As a result, the RSPB and wildlife rescue charities are keen to ensure callers can get the right advice and support they need to help protect nature.

RSPB regional director Chris Corrigan said: “As a conservation charity, the RSPB’s work is focused on protecting habitats, wildlife and connecting people to nature through our reserves and education projects.

“We offer advice on a range of wildlife issues, from identifying unusual behaviours to the legal aspects of protecting nature, but are unable to offer a call out service for sick or injured wild animals.

 “We frequently direct callers to specialist rescue charities, voluntary groups or individuals, such as East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), who can assess the situation and have the facilities required to treat and care for sick or injured wildlife.

“Such organisations are only small but together they make a huge difference nationally in helping our wildlife, although sadly there are still far too few.”

 Trevor Weeks, founder of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (above), added: “Getting through to help quickly can mean life or death for some sick or injured animals, particularly at this time of year.

“We recommend saving the number for your local rescue in your mobile phone so you are prepared in an emergency.”

A dedicated website has been set up to provide details of rescue centres at www.helpwildlife.co.uk/directory/map/

According to the website there are three such centres within 10 miles of Farnham:

• Elstead Bird Rescue Centre - for baby birds during spring and summer only (01252) 703027.

• Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in Windlesham - for all wildlife and “pigeon friendly” (01344) 623106.

• The Happy Hedgehog Rescue, Yateley - exclusively for hedgehogs (01252) 871478.

An RSPB spokesman added: “All good veterinary practices will also take in wildlife and give emergency first aid free of charge, and if you are away from home and find a casualty contact a local vet as they are likely to know of any local rescue organisations too.”

To find out more about protecting nature and attracting wildlife visit www.rspb.org.uk.