SOME very appealing orphans will soon be venturing out into the wide world.

But they won't go unless their carers are satisfied the surroundings they go to are just perfect for them.

At Stapeley Grange RSPCA wildlife hospital a host of spiky, furred and feathered babes are about to go back to nature.

It's the orphan season and the staff at the centre are busy feeding and tending an influx of young hedgehogs, owls, ducklings and goslings.

Foxes and badgers also find their way to Stapeley, taken there by concerned and well meaning 'rescuers'.

Wildlife Assistant Rob Scrivens has already begun his search for suitable sites at which to release his young charges.

He's hoping that local landowners with an interest in the environment and conservation will offer them homes in their woodlands, fields, ponds and lakes.

"Anyone with a couple of acres or more could provide a suitable place for us to release the youngsters. The sites must be private, safe and secure," said Rob.

Likely 'homes' are carefully vetted and even when a release is made that's not the end of the matter. The creatures are micro chipped, ringed or electronically tagged so that their progress can be monitored.

"If they don't survive then we can recover their bodies and try and find out what went wrong," Rob added.

Although he and his colleagues are happy to take in orphans picked up by members of the public he warns that some of the babies brought in may not have been abandoned.

"Young owls and foxes for instance tend to be quite adventurous and wander away from their homes. People sometimes think they've been abandoned but in fact their parents may still be around and looking for them," said Rob.

"We have just returned a young tawny owl to its nest. It was found nearby and we had an idea its parents would not be far away. We were right and they were happily reunited. So it's not always wise to be too hasty about 'rescuing' babies," he added.

An important part of Rob's work is educational, which includes talking to school children.

"The youngsters are our future conservationists so it's important they should be aware of the problems," he said.

Anyone who can help with a release site or would like further information about the hospital and its work can contact Rob at Stapeley Grange on 610347.

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