WILDLIFE lovers are being asked to donate special hampers that could help treat sick or injured animals.

The South West Swan Sanctuary and Swindon Council's Ranger Service work together to save wildlife on local nature reserves.

The partnership is appealing for people to make special wildlife hampers made up of essential items used to treat sick or injured wildlife.

All that is needed to make a hamper is a small cardboard box filled with things like jar lids, dried or tinned cat food, tissues, jars of honey, tweezers, cotton wool, vaseline, old tea towels or cloth scraps, red light bulbs and UHT goats milk.

The South West Sanctuary releases many of their rescued animals, which range from hedgehogs to swans, on reserves like Coate Water, Stanton Park, Barbury Castle and Seven Fields.

Last year, it rescued more than 500 birds including 180 swans.

Caring for a rescued animal costs on average £6 per day in food, time and resources.

Clearly write your name and address on the box to receive a certificate of thanks and take your wildlife hamper to Coate Water Rangers Cottage, Marlborough Road, Swindon.