Building wildlife conservation partnerships

On 23 April 2026, wildlife officers from GMP’s prevention branch, alongside Lancashire Police’s South Rural, Wildlife & Heritage Crime Task Force, conducted a joint visit to Kirklees Wildlife Rescue, meeting with Patrick Jackson and Kylie Chorlton from the rescue as part of ongoing partnership and engagement work.

Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitate and release of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Based in Bury the rescue provides specialist rehabilitation facilities alongside operating a 24-hour large animal rescue service.

The rescue cares for all native British wildlife and supports both members of the public and organisations such as the RSPCA and the police with wildlife-related matters. Every year the rescue takes in thousands of animals requiring specialist care and treatment.

Where the rescue is unable to provide the appropriate level of care for a particular species, animals are transferred to suitable specialist facilities to ensure the best possible outcome. During the visit, officers were extremely impressed by the staff’s knowledge, professionalism and the specialist facilities dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wildlife.

For assistance regarding an injured animal please call 01204 884086 and for general enquiries please email info@kirkleesvalleywildlife.org

Sgt Sam DeGouveia, Wildlife SME for GMP, said: “A special thank you to PS 253 Darren Carr, PC 4678 Justine Anderson and PC 1358 Helen Gardiner from Lancashire Police, who attended the visit to provide support and share their specialist knowledge and experience in wildlife matters.”

GMP’s wildlife officers continue to play a vital, hands‑on role in their communities, working proactively to protect local ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Their presence helps safeguard natural habitats, promote conservation, and strengthen the connection between people and the environment they share.