A late-evening walk beside Hailsham Common Pond in Station Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, led to a dramatic rescue earlier this month, after a couple spotted a white object in the water near the island and realised it was a gull in distress.
As the light faded, the couple approached the pond edge and could see the bird was alive but clearly unable to move from the spot. Concerned for its welfare, they contacted East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS), who dispatched an ambulance crew to assess the situation.
“At first, in the darkness, we feared the bird may already have passed away,” said a WRAS rescuer. “But then it suddenly moved. It was clearly weak and struggling, and we knew it couldn’t be left until morning.”
With the gull stranded near the island, WRAS requested additional support and a second ambulance attended with rescuers trained in water rescue. Wearing a drysuit, buoyancy aid and secured with a safety line, a WRAS rescuer waded out through the cold water and had to swim the final section to reach the bird.
Once close, rescuers discovered the gull was entangled in fishing line which had become snagged on several branches hanging down into the water. The line was carefully cut, freeing the gull, which was then carried back to the pond edge where WRAS vet Jasmin Gregory was waiting to examine and assess the bird.
To everyone’s relief, the gull was in relatively good condition, but hypothermic and weak from its ordeal. The bird was transported to WRAS’s Casualty Centre, where it was given medication, gently warmed, and settled for the night.
By Tuesday morning, the gull was much brighter — standing and eating well. The bird was monitored for 24–48 hours until it was ready for release.
WRAS appeal to the public
WRAS is reminding members of the public to dispose of fishing line and tackle responsibly, as entanglements can cause serious injury, exhaustion and drowning in waterbirds.
If you find an injured or trapped wild animal in East Sussex, contact East Sussex WRAS for advice and assistance.
To Donate to our Local Wildlife Ambulance Rescue Service so they can continue their amazing work, click here.
