In July 2025, Bird Aid began rebuilding bird aviaries at its rescue centre in Hailsham, East Sussex to protect their permanently disabled gulls. Wire Fence supported the project by supplying bird mesh at cost price and will continue to assist Bird Aid as they prepare to carry out a full aviary rebuild.
About Bird Aid
Bird Aid is a wildlife rescue centre and sanctuary in Hailsham, East Sussex, specialising in the care of the red listed gulls. The centre takes in around 500 birds each year and is home to many disabled gulls that cannot be released. Run largely by volunteers and supported through donations, Bird Aid provides long-term care and rehabilitation for injured, orphaned, and sick birds.
At the same time, Bird Aid was founded with a broader purpose – not only to care for gulls, but also to provide a supportive space for learning-disabled people. Alongside wildlife rehabilitation, the centre offers meaningful activities and work experience for those with limited opportunities elsewhere.
About the Project
Bird Aid is currently building secure nighttime enclosures inside their existing aviaries to keep birds safe from predators, after discovering that several older structures were no longer sound. This temporary solution allows the aviaries to remain in use by safely shutting the birds in at night.
Wire Fence supported this essential work by supplying welded mesh at cost price, which is now being used to construct the new predator-proof enclosures. With two aviaries still under construction and the main baby aviary already up and running, the project continues with the help of volunteers and ongoing donations.
How to Support Bird Aid
Caring for hundreds of birds each year is no small task – especially when it comes to feeding them. It costs thousands of pounds annually to provide food for the gulls at Bird Aid, many of whom stay long-term due to injury or disability. A donation of just £1 can help feed a bird for a day, while £7 covers a whole week of care.
Find out more or send a fish at birdaid.co.uk/support-us.
But feeding is only part of the challenge. With ageing aviaries and increasing threats from predators like mink, the sanctuary faces growing pressures. Support from the public is vital to help Bird Aid continue its work – offering a safe haven not only for vulnerable wildlife, but for the people who care for them too.
Learn how you can support the sanctuary at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/birdaidworks.
Article written by Orsi for WireFence, find the full article here.
