A MID Wales falconry centre that rescues injured animals and unwanted pets says it is struggling to buy medicine and food after the coronavirus lockdown caused them to lose much of its income.

Valley View Falconry looks after injured birds including red kites and blackbirds, and abandoned pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and even the odd pony at their base in Nantmel, near Rhayader.

Due to the UK Government’s strict social distancing measures that were introduced on March 23, many businesses have been forced to close to the public until further notice.

Owner Tim Churchill, who has more than 36 years experience working with birds of prey after working at several falconry centres, said keeping the animals fed and watered with no money coming in from visitors and guests has been a struggle.

“As you can imagine things are getting harder in the current devastating times due to us having to close our doors to visitors so no cash income to supplement our rescue side,” he said.

“Before lockdown we funded wildlife or unwanted pets from our own pockets.

“We have a falconry centre offering various experiences and children’s owl parties.

“We often have open days to raise money for various charities but obviously not able to do that now.”

Mr Churchill has now set up a fundraising page to raise £700 to buy food, medicines, supplements and operations in order help rehabilitate and release animals through the coronavirus lockdown.

“Funding will help provide medicines or vet checks as well as food for any animals we take in with the aim of releasing them back to the wild,” Mr Churchill added.

“I really don’t want to close my gates to these poor animals.

“We get no government funding, normally we pay all fees out of our earnings from guests.

“All help appreciated, we really don’t want to turn animals away if we can help them.”

To show your support for Valley View Falconry during the coronavirus outbreak, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tims-animalrescue