About Us
Welcome to Sompting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, a haven for wildlife in need. Founded in 2019 by Gayle and Pete, we have built on over 20 years of dedicated service to protecting and nurturing the diverse wildlife of the UK.
As passionate Veterinary Nurses, Gayle and Pete decided to turn their shared vision into reality, bringing their expertise and commitment to every rescue and rehabilitation effort.
Our mission is to provide specialized care for injured, orphaned, and distressed wildlife, ensuring they receive the time, attention, and medical support necessary for a successful recovery. We take pride in our ability to offer extended stays for animals that require longer recuperation periods, such as gulls with fractured limbs, hedgehogs with injuries or neurological issues, and pigeons recovering from wounds.
Located in the picturesque landscape of West Sussex, our sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope and healing for wildlife across West Sussex, East Sussex, and Surrey. Our dedicated team of approximately 25 volunteers plays a crucial role in expanding our reach and impact, enabling us to respond quickly to wildlife emergencies. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment are the backbone of our operation.
We also manage a vibrant Facebook group, "Help and Advice for Worthing Wildlife (HAWW)," which serves as a community resource for wildlife enthusiasts. This group brings together multiple organizations and helpers who are available to assist with any queries and provide guidance on wildlife matters.
At Sompting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity to protect both our volunteers and the animals in our care. Our efforts are entirely funded by public donations, and we are immensely grateful for the support of our community. To date, we have successfully rehabilitated over 1,000 animals on-site, not including those cared for by our fosterers and wildlife carers. Additionally, we have handled thousands of enquiries, providing advice and support to those in need.
Thank you for joining us on our journey to make a positive difference in the lives of wildlife. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for all creatures great and small.
Due to the limited size of our hospital site, we can only accommodate a small number of animals at any given time. Our capacity varies based on the number of animals currently in our care and the specific conditions they are suffering from.
The time and effort in sucessfully rehabilitating injured wildlife is quite long and time consuming, therefore we do not want to over stretch ourselves with extra wildlife and compromise our care to existing patients.
Collaboration with Local Veterinary Surgeries
At Sompting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, we are committed to providing the best possible care for the animals in our charge. To achieve this, we work closely with many local veterinary surgeries both during the day and night.
Our partnerships with these dedicated veterinary professionals ensure that injured and sick wildlife receive prompt and expert medical attention, whether they are in our care or in an emergency situation. By collaborating with veterinary surgeries, we can access specialized treatments and diagnostic services that are crucial for the rehabilitation and recovery of animals.
Approximately half of the wildlife we take in comes through veterinary referral for animals that require extra treatment and care. Our skilled nursing team ensures that this care is carried out professionally, providing the necessary attention and support to facilitate their recovery.
These invaluable partnerships enable us to provide a high standard of care and improve the chances of successful rehabilitation and release back into the wild. We are deeply grateful for the support and expertise of the veterinary community, which plays a vital role in our mission to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife.
We are able to help with local wildlife rescues, and offer help and advice should anyone require it and if we don't know the answer we will try and point you in the right direction.
Our Awards
We are proud to announce that Sompting Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation has been honored with several prestigious awards:
Acquisition International NPO Award 2023: Named the "Most Dedicated Wildlife Rehabilitation Charity in Sussex" for our unwavering commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife in need.
SME UK Enterprise Award 2024: Awarded "Most Dedicated Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Charity", recognizing our exceptional efforts and dedication to wildlife conservation.
Global Awards 2024/2025: Winner of the "Wildlife Sanctuary of the Year" award, highlighting our exemplary standards in providing care and sanctuary to wildlife.
These awards are a testament to the hard work and passion of our dedicated team of volunteers and supporters. We are grateful for the recognition and remain committed to our mission of making a positive impact on wildlife and the environment.