AN aviary in Risley is celebrating the end of restrictions that saw numbers of birds kept indoors due to a surge in avian flu.

The illness, more commonly known as bird flu, has been judged to be severe enough in recent months to warrant restrictions on keeping birds.

Birds have had to remain in covered areas for some time, as a result of restrictions from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Warrington Guardian: There are a variety of residents at Wild WingsThere are a variety of residents at Wild Wings (Image: Gary Cox)

Following the easing of these restrictions, the Wild Wings Birds of Prey centre in Risley is celebrating.

The aviary will now look at getting its feathered guests out in the fresh air and flying once more - though they will follow all biosecurity measures that remain in place.

In October, the aviary was forced to make the hard decision of closing due to the severity of the bird flu at the time.

The centre posted on social media at the time: "This is a tough decision as we rely on your support and footfall to keep the centre operating. However, as we hope you can understand, the welfare and priority of all the residents at Wild Wings has to come first.

"Avian Flu can be spread by something as simple as walking in an affected area and then visiting the centre… One mistake could risk every bird on site here.

"The team are still on hand daily caring for and working with our birds.

"We are constantly monitoring the risk locally and will update as soon as we can reopen safely."

However, the centre is now in good spirits following the relaxation of restrictions, which will allow it to resume more normal operations.

Taking to social media, the centre's page posted: "At last... Defra has today lifted restrictions on keeping birds under cover.

"Work can now commence getting our birds back out and flying again. We will of course still follow strict biosecurity procedures.

"We will post as soon as we have available dates for all of you with paid-for experiences to take.

"Thank you for your patience."

Wild Wings Birds of Prey can be found at Taylor Business Park, Risley - for more information, visit the centre's website.