In 2025, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) celebrates two extraordinary milestones: 40 years of founder Trevor Weeks’ tireless dedication to wildlife conservation and the 30th anniversary of WRAS itself. From its humble beginnings as a volunteer effort to becoming an award-winning charity, WRAS now plays a vital role in supporting both wildlife and the community.
From Teenage Volunteer to Wildlife Pioneer
Trevor’s journey began at just 13 years old when he joined Eastbourne Conservation Volunteers. His first rescue mission, retrieving two oil-covered guillemots from the beach at Cow Gap, ignited a passion that would shape his life. Over the next decade, Trevor honed his skills, learning from established groups and individuals while balancing his career as a computer programmer.
In 1996, Trevor formalised his efforts by founding WRAS after being challenged by a local vet, Robin Hooper, to address mounting veterinary bills. A public meeting in Hailsham led to the creation of a voluntary group with a clear mission: provide professional, ethical care for injured wildlife.
Decades of Growth and Impact
Over the past 30 years, WRAS has evolved significantly. Originally a small operation run from homes and gardens, the organisation faced the challenge of inadequate facilities to meet growing demand. In response, WRAS opened its first independent casualty centre in 2006, moving to a larger site in Whitesmith in 2008. Today, the centre is equipped to handle up to 450 animals at a time and manages over 6,500 cases annually. WRAS receives over 30,000 calls each year, many concerning sick, injured, trapped, or orphaned wildlife that require the expertise of WRAS’s specialized team for safe rescue, as improper handling can lead to serious injury.
WRAS’s success is rooted in its team of 9 full-time staff and over 200 volunteers. These dedicated individuals provide a wide range of services, from feeding and cleaning casualties to conducting complex rescue operations. Despite this, the charity’s resources are stretched thin, with facilities often at capacity during peak seasons. WRAS’s current centre becomes full every summer and is outdated.
The charity desperately needs to expand and update it’s hospital facilities to become more efficient and cost-effective. Without raising significantly more funds, WRAS is struggling to secure its future, and has launched an Anniversary Appeal to fund a modernised wildlife hospital and rescue charity for the area.
Trevor’s Legacy and Challenges
Trevor’s unwavering commitment has not been without personal sacrifice. Over the years, he has faced physical and emotional challenges, including burnout and a diagnosis of complex PTSD. Nevertheless, Trevor has persevered, driven by his mission to prevent suffering for both wildlife and people.
“More individuals are finding sick, injured, orphaned, and dying wildlife due to the increasing pressures of urban development and habitat loss. At WRAS, we work tirelessly to restore balance – helping wildlife adapt and recover while supporting people who experience the emotional toll of these encounters. By aiding injured animals, addressing human-wildlife challenges, and promoting local biodiversity, we play a vital role in sustaining both our community and natural heritage. However, we cannot do it without the support of the public and local businesses. We are a vital community service,” Trevor shared.
A Call to Action
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, WRAS is calling on the community to support its mission by donating to it Anniversary Appeal. Trevor will undertake an 80-mile fundraising trek across East Sussex in March over 11 days, starting from Bewl Water on the Kent border and travelling across East Sussex. The trek will finish on Friday 28th March on Eastbourne Seafront, where a celebration event is being held at the Cumberland Hotel. The funds raised will go towards building a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, ensuring WRAS can continue its vital work for decades to come. Other events in the pipeline include a Founders Raffle and an Unusual Quiz Night.
For more information or to donate please visit:
https://wildlifeambulance.org/anniversary-appeal-2025/
