AS THE number of call-outs being made by East Sussex Wildlife and Ambulance Service are increasing, so is the financial strain on the Uckfield-based charity.

Volunteers from East Sussex WRAS dealt with 107 calls for fledgling birds last week alone, alongside a further 114 other call-outs to various different incidents – the highest figures so far this year.

Rescue co-ordinator Trevor Weeks said: "May is only the beginning of our busy season and day by day the phones are getting busier and busier."

He added: "This year's season has started slightly later than normal and could end up with us being busier instead."

The increased number of incidents is putting a strain on the organisation's finances, with the average cost of a call-out totalling £65, including the cost of petrol, phone bills, electricity, water, food and veterinary bills.

As a result the organisation is appealing for members of the public to put their hands in their pockets and make a donation to keep the charity afloat.

Mr Weeks said: "Each year as we go into summer our costs and workload rise and we struggle to survive with the costs.

"With the recession, donations have decreased in value, and at the moment we are spending more than is coming in as a result."

He added: "We have managed to reduce our veterinary bills this year by employing a locum vet to help deal with some of our casualties, but we still need extra financial help in ensuring we are able to pay for vital life-saving first aid medication, and to help pay for the care and rehabilitation of the casualties back to the wild."

At this time of year typical call-outs to WRAS workers include deer caught in fencing as well as a large number of baby birds in a tight spot.

Last weekend four volunteers were working all day on both Saturday and Sunday, and two worked into the night according to the charity.

WRAS staff try to put updates on their Twitter site but have been struggling to log all the call-outs.

Jobs last weekend included the rescue of a badger caught behind a fence, a swan attacked by a dog and a disorientated fox.

Mr Weeks said: "WRAS doesn't waste money, and many of our volunteers put their hands in their own pockets to help fund the work of WRAS, but they are limited on how much they can put in and it isn't fair on them to be funding the vets' bills and treatment themselves."

He added: "So we are appealing for help at this very busy time of year to keep us afloat and saving the lives of our local wildlife."

Anyone wanting to make a donation to WRAS can do so online at www.wildlife ambulance.org, alternatively a cheque or postal order can be made payable to East Sussex WRAS, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE.

To see the WRAS Twitter site go to www.twitter.com/east sussexwras