Beatrix Potter wrote Peter Rabbit at the turn of the last century at a time when man and nature lived harmoniously. British wildlife was abundant and thriving. Our gardens were natural havens, alive and teeming with the colourful flick of butterflies’ wings and busily feeding birds, by day, while, by night, a percussive soundtrack of nocturnal wanderers and calling birds of prey accompanied the acrobatic antics of foxes and badgers at play.

But 120 years later, and the real-life inspirations behind Beatrix’s best-loved characters are now fighting for their very survival and faced with an uncertain future.

Miss Tigglewinkle the hedgehog has suffered dramatic population decline and faces possible urban extinction by 2025

Squirrel Nutkin the red squirrel only survives in small isolated communities

Tommy Brock the badger is systematically culled

Mr Tod the fox is hunted for entertainment

Thousands upon thousands of Peter Rabbits, Tommy Tiptoes and other British wildlife are killed, injured or orphaned, mainly as a result of our action – both direct and indirect

From the wise owl, to the noble deer, the melodic robin and the iconic hedgehog: all deserve a chance.

This orphan season, we need your help to save the species that have given generations such pleasure. We owe it to them to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing back out into the wild.

Over the next months, we desperately need to replace outdated equipment and expand new areas so we can cope with the orphans we will take in. Each year the numbers rise. In 2018, we are anticipating our busiest orphan season to date.

We need:

£6,500 for new orphan accommodation

£20,000 for new soft release pens

£7,000 for a new raptor flight

£1,500 for new aviaries

Every animal we save and release back to the wild boosts dwindling populations. Don’t let our once animated and moving gardens become silent and still.

Help us heal.