Abbotts Barton Residents Support Local Wildlife Rescue on National Wildlife Day

Residents and staff at Abbotts Barton Care Home in Winchester marked National Wildlife Day by collecting and donating essential supplies to HART Wildlife Rescue Hospital in Alton.

The charity provides rescue, treatment and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned wildlife from across Hampshire and surrounding counties, as well as professional advice to vets, the RSPCA and members of the public.

Staff at Abbotts Barton gathered a range of useful items — including bird, dog and cat food, puppy training pads, cat litter and other essentials — to support HART’s work. A group of residents then travelled by minibus to personally deliver the donations to the hospital.

HART staff and volunteers were delighted to receive the gifts. “This is wonderful, thank you so much for your generosity,” said hospital manager Robyn. She went on to explain that HART has been operating as a charity since 1996 and counts among its patrons naturalist Chris Packham OBE and wildlife vet Dr Sophie Rasmussen, known to many as ‘Doctor Hedgehog’.

Companion Wendy, who helped organise the donation, said: “Our residents were thrilled to be able to support such an important local cause. Delivering the items ourselves made it more meaningful, and we all learned so much about the amazing work HART does for wildlife in need.”

The visit gave residents an insight into the hospital’s vital work and offered an uplifting way to celebrate National Wildlife Day while supporting a cause close to the community’s heart.