RSPCA seeks volunteers to help wildlife across the UK

Last year, around 2,000 people joined the charity's Wildlife Friends scheme, and this year, 1,950 have already signed up.

The scheme involves volunteers taking part in various tasks to support local ecosystems and improve the lives of animals.

Tasks include cleaning bird feeders, leaving food out for hedgehogs, creating "bug hotels", and planting wildlife-friendly plants.

There are 24 tasks to complete this year, with different tasks set for each of the four seasons.

Volunteers earn points for each task, and those who earn a set number of points receive a seasonal certificate.

Points are earned when completing tasks and those volunteers who earn a set number or more during a season are awarded a seasonal certificate (Image: Supplied)

RSPCA head of volunteering, Brian Reeves, said: "We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them.

"By becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world.

"The RSPCA’s Wildlife Friends volunteering scheme is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes, or a couple of hours, to create a better and kinder world for every animal.

"We’ve got seven great tasks to inspire everyone into action this autumn.

"It is a great time of the year to get out and enjoy gardens, open spaces and woodlands and the tasks can all be completed close to home."

“By getting involved, people can help make their communities safer for wildlife.

"Small tasks like these all make a huge difference for wild animals and their welfare.

"We had a great response last year and we want more people to pitch in again as we aim to create a one million strong movement for animal welfare, during our 200th year.”

By volunteering to support wildlife, people can also free up time for RSPCA officers to tackle cruelty and neglect cases.

Staff at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre have been playing their part too, by hosting workshops and events focused on nocturnal animals.

The centre's education staff hosted bat walks and tours at the centre near Nantwich and at Birkenhead Park on the Wirral.

Participants spotted several species of bats and experienced the echolocation sounds they make to navigate.

RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre hosted bat walks and tours at the centre near Nantwich as well as a bat walk at Birkenhead Park on the Wirral (Image: Supplied)

Evie Astbury-Field, Stapeley Grange community engagement manager, said: "Our bat walk was a fantastic event that not only celebrated these remarkable animals, but also highlighted the vital role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

"At Stapeley we hosted a number of bat talks and walks and our education officers Ali, Carolyn, Holly and Charlie were all involved in welcoming a local wildlife and conservation group, a scout group and hosting a public talk and walk.

"These experiences were a fantastic opportunity to involve our community in learning about these beautiful animals and their welfare at Stapeley Grange, and for us to talk about the work we do."

People can register online to become a Wildlife Friend and start helping to make a difference for the nation's wildlife.