Wildlife rescue centre Oak and Furrows has a new home thanks to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre should now be able to operate its a 24-hour, 365 days-a-year service from a site next to Blakehill Farm nature reserve, which has good transport access.

The trust is making land available for the new rescue centre next to the reserve, on land it owns but does not use as part of the reserve.

Initial discussions have already been held with Wiltshire Council’s planning department about the proposals for a wildlife hospital, staff and education facilities pens and a planning application is about to be submitted.

Blakehill was once an RAF airfield from which Dakotas flew troops and equipment to the battlefields of Europe in the Second World War.

Amanda Callard, of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We are delighted to offer Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre a much needed home.

"We see a great fit between the two organisations, both of whom work to help our county’s wildlife and both rely on the goodwill of local people to succeed.

"There are issues that still need to be formalised, such as funding and planning consent, but certainly in principle, we are very pleased to be able to give such a worthy cause a home with us.”

Ray Hood, who is managing the relocation project for Oak and Furrows, said: "We are very pleased and grateful to be entering into a partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in a venture that will secure the future of wildlife rescue in Wiltshire, and surrounds, and enable us to continue our work in a lovely environment next to an important nature reserve.

"The two organisations have so much in common that I am confident that we can look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship that benefits the local community and most importantly our wonderful wildlife.”

Annually the centre, which has its original home at Somerford Keynes, takes in about 3,000 wildlife casualties and receives between 6,000 and 7,000 requests for help and advice.

Both organisations rely heavily on dedicated staff as well as equally dedicated volunteers, members and supporters. Oak and Furrows can be contacted on (01666) 860789.