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Family's wildlife rescue for late 'birdman' dad

BBC A family in a woodland who have just released three birds back into their habitat in Warsop in NottinghamshireBBC
Robert Slaney's family launched a wildlife rescue group in September last year

A family have set up an animal rescue in memory of their late bird enthusiast father, father-in-law, and grandfather.

Robert Slaney, of Warsop, Nottinghamshire, was known as the "resident birdman" after he spent a lifetime helping birds, his family say.

After his death at the age of 67 in March last year, his children and their partners started Warsop Wildlife Rescue Team (WWRT).

Since then, the self-funded group has loved and rehabilitated more than 100 animals.

Two siblings in a caravan, where they nurse animals back to health
Becky Cotton and her brother Glenn Slaney have rescued more than 100 animals so far

Mr Slaney's daughter Becky Cotton said: "Our dad is who started it all for us; it was lovely growing up, getting to see all the birds.

"He was part of the British Trust for Ornithology, doing research into migration."

Success stories have included an under-the-weather hedgehog called Hugh and a squirrel they rescued and released back into the wild after he was found among the clothes of a Mansfield-based retailer.

Mrs Cotton said her father would have been "absolutely chuffed" at what they have done.

"He knew that this was something we were interested in because of him; it would have been nice for him to see it through with us, but unfortunately that's not the case," she added.

The Slaney Family Robert Slaney holding a large bird in a public park The Slaney Family
Mr Slaney, known as Warsop's "resident birdman", had a lifelong interest in looking after birds

"We do it for him, for these [animals], and it makes us happy, knowing we've given them the best shot in life."

The team say it has been a successful 12 months.

Mr Slaney's son Glenn said: "It's round-the-clock care. We do have lives outside of this, we have families, and I work outside.

"I'm super proud of everyone involved."

He added: "The main aim is to rehabilitate the animals and then release them back. It gets emotional, we get attached, and you feel so overwhelmed that you made it happen, it's great.

"We've got more knowledge of birds because my father's passed that down to us, but we will look after all wildlife.

"It doesn't matter if it's a hedgehog, a bird or a rabbit; if it's injured and needs help, we'll do what we can for it".

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