Wildlife Charity Dedicated to Conservation and Sustainability.

A Legacy of Wildlife Care and Education

For 55 years, Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital has been a trusted leader in wildlife care, rehabilitation, and education across West Sussex. Since opening its doors, the hospital has helped countless injured and orphaned animals — from hedgehogs and foxes to owls, swans, and garden birds — offering expert veterinary care with the goal of returning them to the wild.

Working alongside local vets, RSPCA inspectors, Wildlife Police Officers, and the public, Brent Lodge plays a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by displaced and injured wildlife across the South Coast. Each year, the hospital cares for around 3,000 animals, representing over 100 different species, and every one is given a second chance at life in its natural habitat.

Beyond treatment, Brent Lodge also tackles the root causes of wildlife casualties through education, research, and public awareness, helping to promote responsible conservation practices and inspire communities to coexist peacefully with nature.

Our Solar Story: Powering Wildlife Care Sustainably

In 2024, Brent Lodge took a major step toward a greener future by installing 51 solar panels across two of their buildings, funded through Legacy donations and grants and fitted by local supplier Wagner Renewables. This investment in renewable energy has already reduced the hospital’s annual electricity bills by approximately £3,000, allowing vital funds to be redirected toward wildlife care instead of rising energy costs.

The hospital’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. A newly built patient admissions building was designed with environmental responsibility in mind — featuring a green roof, a heat-sourced water pump, and locally sourced sustainable timber.

With energy-intensive equipment such as incubators, x-ray machines, and heating systems running year-round, renewable energy has become an essential part of Brent Lodge’s mission to care for wildlife responsibly. Every kilowatt saved helps ensure the lights stay on for the animals that need it most.

Investing in a Greener Future

As fundraising becomes increasingly challenging, the charity continues to think creatively about sustainability. Fewer legacy donations and rising costs in retail have placed pressure on wildlife charities nationwide, yet Brent Lodge remains determined to adapt.

The next goal is to fundraise for solar storage batteries — allowing surplus energy from the panels to be stored and used overnight or on cloudy days. This will make the hospital even more resilient, ensuring uninterrupted care for its patients while further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

DONATE TO OUR APPEAL TO FUND BATTERIES

This forward-thinking approach not only saves money but also supports the charity’s wider environmental mission. As Wildlife Care Manager Robert Knight explains, “We’re here to give back to our cause, which is wildlife — and that means caring for the environment they return to as well.”

The Broader Impact: Helping Wildlife and the Planet

By embracing renewable energy, Brent Lodge is leading by example — showing how small changes in sustainability can have far-reaching impacts for both wildlife and the environment. Reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and ensuring reliable renewable power all contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Climate change poses increasing threats to wildlife, from habitat loss to extreme weather events. Through sustainable practices and habitat-friendly design, Brent Lodge is strengthening both wildlife resilience and community awareness, helping people and animals adapt together to our changing world.

Help Us Help Wildlife Conservation

As a non-profit organisation, Brent Lodge relies entirely on the generosity of supporters to continue its mission. Donations and community fundraising directly fund the hospital’s vital work — from feeding orphaned chicks to maintaining specialist enclosures for recovering animals.

Every contribution, large or small, helps keep the hospital running and supports its commitment to sustainability. With your help, Brent Lodge can continue to protect wildlife, preserve the environment, and inspire change for another 50 years and beyond.

Find out more or donate today at www.brentlodge.org/about-us

By Asha Park