THE clock is ticking for Wild Wings to raise the tens of thousands of pounds it desperately needs to build a new centre to house around 90 rescue birds.

A total of £75,000 is needed to build the facilities to the required standards for a zoo licence but the fundraising figure is falling short with only £7,000 so far in donations.

An appeal has been launched to source much-needed help after staff at the birds of prey rescue and rehabilitation centre, which also cares for a number of other animals, were ordered to vacate their current base at Bents Garden Centre.

Co-owner of Wild Wings Carole Rose said: "We are running out of time to raise the funding required to ensure the future of these beautiful and vulnerable birds. 

"With the massive decline in the barn owl population and the persecution of so many of our birds of prey, we give the opportunity for the public, especially children, to see and learn about them and how we can preserve their future. 

"Many of the birds here have injuries and disabilities and need specialised care and attention, if we cannot provide a new home for them the outcome is too disastrous to think about." 

It has been a difficult year for Wild Wings with countless sacrifices made to ensure the birds receive the best treatment and care.

This has been made all the more difficult as birds are rescued on a daily basis.

Carole added: "If the centre had been able to operate to its full potential we would have not only covered our outgoings but been able to put money towards our relocation."

Both Carole and founder Ian Middleton have been working for less than the national minimum wage in order to plough as much money as they can into the care of the birds while fellow falconer Vicki Barton has been forced to give up her job.

She added: "Loosing Vicki means that we have lost a critical member of our team. She has still offered to still give emergency out of hours cover."

Building materials, sponsorships and donations are needed to construct the new aviary.

The land has been offered by Paul Taylor from Tayor Business Park in Culcheth.

Individual sponsorship of a bird costs just £25 for a year and comes with a sponsorship pack and two free visits to the centre.

Companies are urged to sponsor the build of an aviary for £500.

For more information visit wild-wings.net.