An animal rescuer in Barrow has been busy building a new enclosure, with the help of the Cumbria Animal and Hen Rescue team, to treat more wildlife in Furness.

Rachel Wilson, 36, is a former Information Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) medic and holds weekly wildlife talks and events in Furness.

She takes care of a variety of animals under the name of Rachel's Wildlife however is active in other local rescues too such as Bardsea Bird Sanctuary.

She is also on the scene if a seal or other marine animal becomes stranded.  

READ MORE: Meet the Barrow woman rescuing local wildlife with dreams of opening a rehab centre

Rachel regularly patrols the local waterfowl areas, including at Barrow Park and Ulverston canals, where she has helped multiple geese, gulls, swans and pigeons with various issues.

She has previously told The Mail that it is her dream to open her own, fully equipped rehabilitation centre one day.

The Mail: Rachel after feeing the swans at Ulverston CanalAt the moment she's working on her biggest project yet which is a new 17ft long by 20ft wide enclosure on Walney so she can help even more animals in need.

Rachel said: "We started building at the beginning of this year and thanks to Eddy and Ann at Cumbria Animal and Head rescue, we've secured a great spot of land.

"It's been a real learning curve and it's taken longer due to the horrendous weather in February.

"We're not far off the enclosure being fully operational now. It consists of one larger unit and two smaller ones.

"I have had to design based on the various call-outs we get so I've created a partition between the two smaller units, that way if it's a bigger animal like a swan it can have a larger area.

"We've very much had to work with the land too. We have quite a 'boggy area' to the back so we've decided to use that as an area to place plants.

"This will provide natural stimulation for the animals as well as some food when they begin to produce fruit later in the year.

"The enclosure is very close to being operational but we still need help from the public."

The Mail: The team have had to build the enclosure in some very muddy conditionsA 'wishlist' had been created for things needed.

These include:

  • Flagstones/ bricks - which don't have to be perfect, just not crumbling

  • Plastic dog kennels (not crates as they are to be used outdoors for shelters within the enclosures)

  • External doors plastic or wooden (not glass)

  • Ornamental bark chippings

  • Live cameras to keep an eye on the animals  - as well as the potential to go live for people to watch

Rachel is also asking any group, business or individual if they would like to sponsor a tree. In return they will receive updates on animals they are helping and get exclusive offers and an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint.

To sponsor a tree is £15 and to sponsor a bush £10.

The Mail: A cherry tree which has been sponsored by local woman BrendaRachel said: "We'd just like to thank anyone who has donated or sponsored a tree already. It really makes a difference.

"Someone donated a 20ft by 24ft chicken coop they weren't using which ordinarily would have cost £500 upwards.

"If there are any tree surgeons who can help provide cuttings, logs or tree trunk, that would be a massive help also.

"We're so close to getting the enclosure finished and any help is deeply appreciated.

The 'wishlist' is subject to change however all updates on the enclosure, including when it will be up and running, can be found at the Rachel's Wildlife Facebook page.