Folly Wildlife Rescue

Situated in the Broadwater Forest near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust is a charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and distressed wild animals and birds throughout West Kent, East Sussex and the surrounding region.

Every year, thousands of wildlife casualties are treated after being injured in accidents involving some form of human activity, such as entanglement in plastic netting, fencing or fishing line, road traffic accidents, injury caused by garden machinery, poisoning, shooting and attack by domestic cats and dogs, to name just a few. In some species, such as the hedgehog, these accidents are exacting a heavy toll, which combined with loss of habitat and increasing urbanization, are bringing them ever closer to extinction.

The Trust specialize in the hand-rearing of mammals, including hedgehogs, badgers, foxes, mice, rabbits and even deer, as well as over two thousand nestling and fledgling birds of all species.

In addition, it works tirelessly to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding many wild animals (for example, magpies are killing all our songbirds, foxes are ruthless killers, all badgers carry TB etc) with a view to reducing much needless and often fatal persecution.

Through its education programme (carried out primarily in schools, community groups and clubs) it looks to highlight these man-made problems (which nationwide are killing and maiming millions of animals and birds every year) as well as demonstrating to people how they can help prevent such accidents from happening in the first place.

It also actively promotes a respect for and an appreciation of our wonderful wildlife heritage.

The Trust's new wildlife hospital at Fairview Lane, Broadwater Forest, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LU, with its own veterinary and x-ray unit, is already one of the most modern facilities in the country. However, there are always more projects in the pipeline.

Folly Wildlife Rescue receives no funding from any local authority or lottery grant and relies entirely on public donations, grants, legacies and fund-raising activities.