35% rise in sick and injured wild animals taken into RSPCA centres in just one year

Buckinghamshire’s animal lovers can make gardens more wildlife-friendly.

Soaring wildlife admissions into RSPCA centres last year has prompted the charity to urge people in Buckinghamshire to help wildlife by creating a safe haven in their gardens and local green spaces.

Last year, a whopping 10,209 wild animals were admitted to the charity’s wildlife centres across England, compared to 7,519 in 2023 - a staggering 35% increase in just one year.  Meanwhile, reports from concerned animal lovers in Buckinghamshire to the RSPCA relating to wildlife numbered 318 in 2024.

Across the country, of the animals commonly found in domestic gardens, hedgehog admissions last year were by far the highest of any wild animal at 2,275, followed by wood pigeons (1,113) and blackbirds (288).

The RSPCA’s wildlife centres care for thousands of animals every year, including many which have been found in people’s gardens - including those left sick, orphaned, or injured by everyday hazards such as netting entanglement or strimmers.

Rapidly rising intake of wild animals at centres follows a busy year for the charity on the frontline. Across England and Wales, 40,003 incidents relating to wild animals were reported to the RSPCA in 2024.

Now, the RSPCA hopes the public can help keep wild animals safe by creating havens in their own gardens, or local community green spaces - offering a “lifeline” to many animals, and easing the burden on the RSPCA on the frontline and in its dedicated wildlife centres.

RSPCA wildlife expert Rebecca Machin said: “These shocking wildlife centre admission numbers show that wild animals face huge challenges. We cannot tackle this alone - so we’re urgently asking the public to do their bit to help animals.

“We’d like to make gardens a better place for wildlife, from removing hazards like netting which can seriously injure or kill, to ensuring that your garden offers an environment that can help a range of wild animals flourish, such as adding ponds and wild areas.

“Everyone in Buckinghamshire can do their bit - and there’s so many simple solutions to help create a safe haven outside your back door, or in your community, this year! We feel this could be a lifeline for wildlife, and also take some of the pressure of our dedicated teams on the frontline.

“And outside the garden, getting involved in litter picking during the Great British Spring Clean and helping out with projects such as the annual toads in roads migratory patrols are also ways of doing your bit for wildlife, and being a Wildlife Friend in your community.

 “By working together, we can create a better world for every animal, and for every kind."