ANIMALS’ Voice in Fordingbridge has celebrated a significant milestone in fulfilling its dream of creating its own wildlife rescue and release centre.

After years of searching for a suitable site, the charity has acquired Butts Lawn Farm, which has nearly two acres of land, a large barn and outbuildings.

The chairman of Animals’ Voice, Pat Earth, said: “We have got the property and will be fundraising to take it further.

“We will be looking for volunteers to help us with the set up.”

Ms Earth said it is “brilliant” that the charity has found a site for the project, adding: “We were beginning to think we would never find anywhere. Quite by accident I saw it was in the window of Fox and Sons and it was on the doorstep. It is such a lovely spot.”

The charity, which was started in 1965, will continue its educational work and hopes to have an education centre for visitors.

It said: “It is our belief now more than ever to provide care for sick and injured wild birds and animals but at the same time deliver an educational programme to all age groups to understand how important it is to secure their natural habitat plus providing visitors with an insight into our work.”

Work will be taking place to set up aviaries and shelters in the coming months but it will be an ongoing fundraising project.

Ms Earth added: “It is just a whole different story once we are able to to take in animals which is so much easier when you have got your own property.

“It’s going to be really good.”

She thanked everyone who has supported the project and also to staff at Fox and Sons.

Anyone wishing to volunteer and help fundraise is urged to get in touch with Animals’ Voice by calling 01425 653663 or email enquires@animalsvoice.org.uk.

For more information about the charity go to animalsvoice.org.uk