A WOMAN from Barrow is planning to extend the help she gives to local wildlife with her sights set on opening her own rehabilitation centre.

Rachel Wilson, 36, is an Information Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust and runs a weekly wildlife club which is currently held at the Round House Hub and Café on Walney on Saturdays.

She has gone from strength to strength after she graduated from Kendal College this year with a foundation degree in British Animal Management and Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Since then she has been rescuing all manner of wildlife working alongside various other animal rescues. This includes as a qualified marine mammal medic helping whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

As well as providing information in her job role, she has provided many wildlife talks including at the Coniston Women's Institute (WI) ,Kendal College and to various scout groups.

The Mail: Rachel after she graduated from Kendal CollegeRachel regularly patrols the local waterfowl areas including at Barrow Park where she has helped multiple geese, various gulls, swan and even pigeons from incidents involving human interference - mostly around fishing wire.

She is a regular visitor to Ulverston Canal too and feeds the swans as well as attending clear-outs of its waters.

A bigger project is on the horizon for her as she's currently working on getting more protection for seals, not just on Walney Island, but all over the UK, alongside fellow marine mammal medic Mark Rice.

The Mail: Rachel at a clean of Ulverston Canal

Rachel said: "I'm looking at expanding my work next year and taking things more central.

"I'm hoping to get talks at Barrow Park to help wildlife enthusiasts, young and old, learn more about our local wildlife and how we can all help by making a small difference.

"The dream would be to open a rehabilitation centre open to all wildlife with some land to be able to look after wildlife not only in the short term, but in the long term also.

"This is a long way away from where I am at now, however, at Barrow Park."

All of Rachel's work with animals is completely voluntary and she relies on donations to help.

To find out more, and visit Rachel's Wildlife Facebook page where she regularly updates on the animals in her care.