Working with wildlife at the SSPCA’s rescue centre here at Fishcross gives us a unique insight into the passing seasons from nature’s perspective. The summer months have gradually faded away after one of the busiest ‘baby’ seasons ever. The centre, now in its second year at its new purpose built facility, is equipped to care for and rehabilitate all of Scotland’s wildlife, and summer is always a busy time for orphans. From fawns, and ducklings to a constant flow of nestling garden birds, the centre is always filled with hungry mouths to feed, endless cages to clean, and lots dedication from a small group of compassionate staff.

But as the temperature drops and the last of the house martins and swallows have long since been released, we are now caring for our winter casualties and orphans. At this time of year our hedgehog numbers increase, many are too young, underweight and unable to survive the frozen winter months and hibernation. Numbers can reach over a hundred.

Wintertime is also grey seal season. Young abandoned pups from all around Scotland’s coastline are brought to the centre. One particular seal even travelled by ferry from Uist! Each year, staff at Fishcross choose a theme for seal names. In previous years we’ve had movie based themes, ...‘Harry Potter the seal!’ However this year we have a more serious ship-based theme, so our young seal from the Outer Hebrides aptly named ‘Ferry’, has arrived safely and is learning very quickly how to eat fish.

Not to be outdone by a grey seal's mode of transport, one of our recent casualties hitched a lift on a helicopter! An exhausted water rail, a small wetland bird, was caught up in strong winds while migrating across the North Sea and found himself on an oil rig. The workers cared for him, feeding him digestive biscuits before his flight by helicopter to Aberdeen and into the care of the SSPCA. Our very lucky water rail enjoyed a few more days of being pampered before being released at a local loch.

Working closely with wildlife, we realise that every animal and bird that finds its way to our centre, whether injured, orphaned or lost has its own unique history to tell and its own personality. Some stories are tragic, others uplifting but ultimately we all want the same ending. A successful release back to the wild.