• If you found a partridge with a broken wing, what would you do?
• If you accidently ran over a fox and it was crying for help, what would you do next?
• If you wanted to attract more wildlife into your school’s garden, or wanted to teach your pupils about the wildlife in your area, who would you contact?

The answer to all these is to get in touch with us.

Over the years Secret World has cared for thousands of orphaned, injured and sick birds and animals who have been brought into our rescue centre, by members of the public, volunteers and via organisations such as the RSPCA and the Wildlife Trusts. But we also care for wildlife in the broader sense with our education programme.

The Secret World Education programme offers a range of talks, exhibitions, public events and training for professionals.

Schools Programme – bringing the country to the classroom

Do you remember as a child being able to go off for hours on end with your friends to play and explore? You’d find streams to dam, deep, dark, woods in which to play hide and seek and ponds to plunge your fishing net into.

• Many children who are growing up today will never have that opportunity. Many more have no access to a garden, or have parents who lack the time or money to take them into the countryside. As a result, children are losing their connection with - and knowledge of- our wildlife in its natural habitat.
• Our education programme for schools not only teaches children about our rich heritage and the wonderful array of wildlife that co-exists with us, but also what we can do to help protect and conserve it.
• Last year we took our message to 2,700 children. We also took some of our animals with us which provided a wonderful experience in the classroom. As one 7 year old said ‘We actually got to touch a hedgehog. It was the best day of my life’. Over the next three years we will significantly expand our education programme to reach many more thousands of children every year and to increase their face-to-face contact with British wildlife. Please help us by making a donation now.

Professional Training – raising standards of wildlife care

There is very little provision for professional training in the specific demands of treating wildlife, so as a responsible organisation, we share our knowledge and expertise by putting on a range of courses and programmes, aimed at professionals.
At the moment, we run a modest professional training programme for trainee vets, vet nurses, animal carers and the rescue services requiring first aid training and work experience.
Last year we delivered first aid training to 180 professionals and interested members of the public plus training for 100 Secret World Response Drivers. We have also carried out lectures at North Somerset colleges of higher education and for the Wildlife Trusts.
We would like to do more. If you agree that this work is important, please help us by making a donation now.

Public events – a glimpse of a Secret World

• How do we mend a broken wing on a large and angry swan?
• How do we handle the very different needs of otters or foxes?
• What medical facilities do we have to take care of the 1000s of creatures we care for each year?

All is revealed at our Open Days. These popular events are a highlight of the year for all of us here at Secret World. We currently have six open days when the public can visit us free of charge. They provide our many supporters, friends and volunteers with the opportunity to share their passion for wildlife with members of the public who come to gain a rare glimpse into the hidden world of wildlife and to see the spring babies, hunters and birds of prey or the popular hedgehog weekends.

• We also deliver talks to over 1,000 members of community clubs each year.

Secret World was set up to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild creatures and that is our primary aim. But we are just a small charity with limited resources which is why our education programme is such an important part of the work we do. Please help us to continue and expand our reach by making a donation.