What inspired the creation of Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, and how has the organisation evolved over the years?

With a legacy spanning over 50 years, Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, located in Sidlesham, West Sussex, was founded in 1971 by Dennis Fenter, who began by rescuing wild birds from his garden. As patient numbers increased and word spread, the facility moved to larger premises in 1977 and gained charitable status in 1978. Over the years, the hospital expanded its services to care for both injured wild birds and small mammals, continually upgrading its facilities to accommodate the growing number and variety of patients. Today, Brent Lodge treats over 3,000 sick, injured, or orphaned UK wild animals annually, with the aim of releasing healthy animals back into their natural habitats.

Can you share a recent success story that highlights the impact of donations on your wildlife rescue efforts?

A recent success story highlighting the impact of donations involves the rehabilitation and release of a juvenile hedgehog. The hedgehog was admitted with severe injuries caused by a strimmer, a growing concern noted by the hospital. Thanks to the generous support from donors, Brent Lodge provided the necessary medical treatment and care, leading to the hedgehog’s full recovery and successful return to the wild. Hedgehog numbers are in serious decline and with the species close to extinction it is rewarding to have a successful outcome for this particular hedgehog, contributing towards the UK’s efforts to increase their numbers.

What are some of the biggest challenges Brent Lodge faces in protecting wildlife, and how do contributions from partners like Evergreen Insurance Services help?

Brent Lodge faces several challenges, including an increase in patient numbers, the need for facility upgrades, and addressing human-caused injuries. For instance, there has been a disturbing rise in wildlife casualties suffering from injuries caused by cat or dog attacks. In 2024 alone, we treated over 400 patients suspected to have been injured by domestic pets. These injuries are often preventable with increased public awareness and simple proactive measures, such as responsible pet management and educating the community on wildlife safety.

How can individuals who take out insurance through Evergreen further support Brent Lodge’s mission to care for wildlife?

Support from partners like Evergreen Insurance Services, who recognise their environmental and social responsibility, is vital in addressing these challenges. Not only does their support enable the hospital to fund essential care for affected wildlife, but it also helps inspire their service users and fellow community members to adopt environmentally conscious practices and follow their lead in supporting wildlife conservation.

Individuals who take out insurance through Evergreen can further support Brent Lodge’s mission by participating in fundraising events, volunteering, or donating pet food or cleaning supplies directly to the hospital. Engaging with the hospital’s social media platforms, or signing up to their website emailing list, can also help raise awareness and support for their work.

Looking ahead, what are Brent Lodge’s goals for the future, and how can partnerships like ours and the wider community make those goals a reality?

Looking ahead, Brent Lodge aims to continue upgrading its facilities to provide better care for an increasing number of wildlife patients. Future plans include constructing new enclosures and modern wildlife treatment facilities. Partnerships with organisations like Evergreen and support from the wider community are crucial in achieving these goals, ensuring the hospital can continue its vital work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.