Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation in the UK

Description

Are you passionate about helping wildlife but you’re not sure where to begin?
After building my wildlife rescue from scratch over 10 years, I wanted to put together a short course to pass on some of the things that I learned along the way. This 12 module course covers things I wish I had known from the start. Over 12 modules, you’ll gain knowledge, learn useful processes, and get an array of resources to help you provide ethical, legal, and effective care for wildlife in need.

• ⏳ Access: 12 months to complete at your own pace

Each week you’ll receive access to a new module containing:

• 🎥 Video presentations

• 📚 Reference materials and reading lists

• 🧩 Downloadable templates and checklists

• 🧠 A short quiz

Whether you’re a beginner or already involved in wildlife care, this course will give you plenty to think about!

Course Overview

Module 1 – Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation

What wildlife rehabilitation really means, common UK species in care, and the difference between helping animals survive versus thrive.

Module 2 – Legal and Ethical Considerations

Understand the UK legislation that governs wildlife care and learn how to navigate complex ethical situations with confidence.

Module 3 – Setting Up a Wildlife Rescue

Explore different structures for wildlife rescues, funding options, and what’s involved in starting responsibly.

Module 4 – Common Reasons for Admission

Learn the most frequent causes for wildlife admissions and how to assess whether an animal actually needs intervention.

Module 5 – Biosecurity and Animal Handling

Essential safety, PPE, disinfection, and quarantine procedures, plus safe handling techniques

Module 6 – Record Keeping

Why records matter, how to keep them effectively, and how they can improve care standards and legal protection.

Module 7 – Admission Procedures and Initial Checks

How to manage public contact, admissions, and initial animal assessments.

Module 8 – Housing

Designing and maintaining appropriate enclosures and setups, from home-based care to larger facilities.

Module 9 – Feeding

Feeding techniques, storage, and policies to ensure consistency and animal welfare.

Module 10 – Enrichment and Natural Behaviours

Encouraging natural behaviours and minimising stress during rehabilitation to ensure successful releases.

Module 11 – Release Planning and Post-Release Monitoring

How to plan, prepare, and carry out releases — plus ideas for monitoring outcomes to help shape future care.

Module 12 – Volunteering, Support, and Next Steps

Finding mentors, building networks, and identifying your next steps as a rehabilitator.

What You’ll Gain

• A clear understanding of wildlife rehabilitation in the UK context

• More confidence in legal, ethical, and practical decision-making

• Resources and templates ready for use in your own work

• Guidance on setting up, volunteering, and growing within the sector

• A certificate of completion