Testimonials
Testimonials For Our New Way Of Working...
In late 2024, we launched our new way of working, so that we could help a lot more animals. We now provide Drivers Teams direct to Wildlife Rescues & Vet Practices. Since launching this new structure, we've helped 3 times as many animals each month, compared to before. These are just a very few of the testimonials that have started to come in during 2025...
ANGLESEY HEDGEHOG RESCUE
“ This year has been busier & busier with the hot weather & extended area that we are covering. We could not have done it without the fantastic support of UK Wildlife Transporters.
An amazing organisation of volunteers who drop everything when we contact them to drive wherever we ask & collect injured & sick hedgehogs transporting them to the vet or to us directly.
We are so lucky to be part of this wonderful group who go above & beyond to help wildlife in need. Thank you. ”
BRISTOL & BATH AREA COORDINATOR
" UKWT have been a huge part of supporting wildlife in Bristol and Bath this summer. Especially when it came to supporting gulls.
We lack local resources for them and UKWT helped us problem solve. Utilising their map and connections, we could still save them. Even receiving updates lately to let us know about multiple chicks who had received treatment and been released. As a listed species, that is super significant for conservation efforts (as well as for the individual lives of course).
I love that each life matters to UKWT and the hard work that goes into what they do is clear. They have become a valuable resource for our local vet practices especially - even transporting a young badger on an IV one evening. A lot of wild lives would miss out without them. "
HEDGEHOG HELPLINE
" We are extremely grateful to the team of volunteer transporters and Alana for their continued support this year.
They have all been a real blessing at difficult times, all acting selflessly in the interest of the hedgehogs.
With their support we have been able to save countless more hedgehogs."
STABBO & SANDIACRE SPIKEY RESCUE
“ I am a single handed rescue but still take in around 150 hedgehogs a year. May - July has been extremely manic. Baby season and the 3 nearest rescues to me are shut because of hospital admissions and a bereavement.
I can honestly say that I couldn't have helped so many without amazing support from the UK Wildlife Transporters.
Although it seems that everyone has a car these days the sad truth is that people often can't be bothered to take the time to get a sick one to me in a timely manner.
By the time a hedgehog is out in the day it is literally on a countdown to death so speed is of the essence. The Transporters have brought me in so many I've lost count.
I do remember 4, 2 day old babies who definitely wouldn't have survived without their prompt response. With only a 2% chance of survival I'm glad to say that 3 of them survived and have now been released.
In the same week I had 2 hedgehogs booked in for surgery. The vet is a 40 minute run and the babies were on 2 hourly feeds. No worries I booked in with the Transporters who took them in for me. They really are an asset to wildlife rescue, the sooner you get them the better chance they have, so I hope they have enough funds to continue. ”
HENLOW VET GROUP
" As a wildlife-friendly veterinary practice, we see a lot of wild animals in need of urgent help. We provide initial emergency care and treatment, but sadly we don’t have the facilities to look after them long-term. This means their best chance is with a wildlife sanctuary — and getting them there isn’t always easy for our staff to manage alongside our clinical work.
We simply could not have managed without the incredible help and support of UK Wildlife Transporters. Their amazing team of dedicated volunteers have been there whenever we’ve called (which is almost every week!), changing their own plans to prioritise collecting injured and sick wildlife and ensuring they reach a sanctuary for rehabilitation — no matter how many miles away that may be. Most recently, a kind volunteer drove over 4 hours to get an animal safely to a rehabber!
They are always there for us — and most importantly, for the animals. Nothing is ever too much. They deserve special recognition and a massive thank you, because without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
They truly go above and beyond, and we feel so lucky to be part of such a caring and dedicated network. We can’t thank them enough for the difference they’ve made to the animals we’ve been able to help this year. "
OVER 700 WILDLIFE CASUALTIES TRANSPORTED
(IN 2025 SO FAR)
HINDLEY HEDGEHOG HELP
" As a small and relatively new hedgehog rescue, I can't praise enough the team of UK Wildlife Transporters. I've been overwhelmed by their dedication to duty at wanting to do their best for the animals, and also the rescues that they are connected with.
Everyone I've met has been kind, courteous and very professional. Being able to trust that they are transporting a hedgehog in an efficient, caring and timely manner is priceless, knowing that the hedgehog is being kept warm and as comfortable as possible on its journey to me is very reassuring.
They go above and beyond with a smile. Of course none of this would be happening without Alana at the helm to coordinate the mission and then check on the welfare of the driver when the mission is complete. On a personal level, I feel very privileged and proud to be part of an organisation where animal welfare is paramount. "
LOWTON HEDGEHOG RESCUE
" Running a hedgehog rescue is a service not only to help hedgehogs but also to help people who find sick or injured ones. Transportation can be an issue for some people for many different reasons and Lowton Hedgehog Rescue has found that the team of drivers allocated to LHR by UK Wildlife Transporters has been a life saver – literally.
UK Wildlife Transporters are so well organised by Alana that a request for help will produce a response within minutes and this is a crucial element of ‘rescue’ because the hedgehog’s welfare is so important. The drivers are caring, passionate, considerate, and so willing to go the extra mile if needed. On completion of a ‘transport’ the welfare of the driver is also a key point as they do this voluntarily and for the love of hedgehogs. Thank you so much. "
EMILY ELLIOTT, HEAD OF ANIMAL CARE - RSPCA NORTH WILTS.
" UKWT has aided us here at RSPCA North Wiltshire Oak & Furrows to receive, treat & aid a large group of animals whom we wouldn’t have been able to help otherwise. Through this we have been able to help animals who were in tricky transport areas for ourselves & other rescues. For example: a neonate Leveret, a nest of young Robins & a Peregrine Falcon.
They’ve managed to cover long journeys from other rescues to ourselves so that we can collaborate on long cases when needed to give animals a second chance where they may not have had it. UKWT always puts welfare first, checking the suitability & welfare of each individual animal before transportation: they’re always seeking advice about correct temperatures for transports & always ensure vet checks pre long transports when appropriate.
UKWT has aided & comforted ourselves & the public with cases whom we may have not been able to help before. (These cases can be very stressful, if an animal is out of reach from any nearby help). "
CROFT HOGS HOME
" 2025 has been an incredibly busy year for rescues everywhere. The periods of hot weather have proved to be particularly challenging for UK wildlife, especially Hedgehogs.
This year, the catchment area of Croft Hogs Home became much wider as members of the public needing help with a Hedgehog in distress found that the rescues most local to them, were at capacity.
To be able to cast the net wider and transport sick or injured animals in a safe and controlled manner, to a facility where they can receive the treatment they desperately need when time is critical, is key to their survival.
Having the support of the UK Wildlife Transporters has been incredible; they provide an additional layer of support to the rescue and rehabilitation effort by allowing rescues to work as a network.
They provide the first stages of vital care when interacting with finders and a transportation service that improves the chance of survival immeasurably, all on a voluntary basis! Thank you for the amazing job you do! "
BRINSLEY ANIMAL RESCUE
" Each year we admit 100s of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Many come direct from the public, when this is not possible we reach out to our volunteers. Thankfully the amazing volunteers of UK Wildlife Transporters are also always there to respond and support by transporting animals in need, not just locally but also long distances. "
BRENT LODGE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
" We would like to send a huge thank you to UKWT and their amazing team of wildlife transporters.
We get a number of people who are unable to transport and have always struggled to get to everyone. Since ‘joining forces’ with UKWT, we have been able to get animals the vital help they need quickly. The drivers are always professional and incredibly helpful, going above and beyond. We are glad to call them a part of the team! "
MEDIVET HESWALL
" We have been working alongside UK Wildlife Transporters for a number of years now. Alana has arranged a dedicated team specifically to support our practice and it is easy to contact them through a shared WhatsApp group, as the need arises. We have found them to be very supportive of both us and native wildlife, assisting us by safely transporting wildlife to approved rehabilitation centres after initial assessment and treatment. Thank you UKWT! "
Testimonials For Our Original Way Of Working (2020 - 2022)...
From August 2020 - June 2022, UKWT worked by taking calls from Wildlife Rescues, Vet Practices & members of the public and coordinating all of the transports. From 2020 - 2024 we transported almost 650 animals to emergency care. [From June 2022 - Late 2024, we mostly closed to adapt our structure to how we work now, which is MUCH more efficient & helps a lot more animals.]
RACHEL ROTHERY
" Alana Hurd, you and the work you do are amazing. "
JANET MORRIS
" I’ve never had to use your service but I’m blown away by the lengths some people will go to to assist others and the little feathered friends from their own genuine generosity and capacity to care. The world for birds is a better place because of you and your volunteers. "
ANKI WIKMAN
" I found a pigeon in the canal which had been wounded by a left-over nylon fishing line. Since I am a cruising boater, I don't own a car and I was concerned a local vet would not have space/time to nurture the pigeon back to health. I contacted a bird rescue, but they were not very helpful with the transport problem, so I was getting very stressed. Someone tipped me about UK Wildlife Transporters and the rest is history. Alana and the volunteer driver she connected me to was an absolute Godsend; with their help I got the pigeon delivered to Tiggywinkles animal hospital.
I was particularly impressed by the efficiency of the service - it is fast & no nonsense. I would probably recommend Alana for any job that requires managing! I have given a contribution to the volunteers as a thank you for the help. "
SUSAN PRICE
" I just want, no need to say this.
I can vouch for the absolute professionalism displayed by yourselves.
I contacted you guys about a bird my cat had brought in, unharmed, but it was a baby. I was given instructions to the letter, I was informed of everything that would happen, when, who, where and why. I was told exactly where this bird was going, and signed it over with a small donation which I got a receipt acknowledgement for.
I was gobsmacked at the actual lengths that these humans went to for this little bird.
These people do this in their own time out of the kindness of their hearts, and don't get enough credit for doing so xx thank you for what you do xx "
JO COOPER
" Would like to thank Alana and her amazing help today, the poorly bird I found has now been picked up and is on its way to get the help it needs. It was a baby also, so makes me so happy that although it didn’t get the best start, it will now be able to heal and hopefully lead a happy life. The response, phone calls, and help from start to finish was brilliant. Well done for being so amazing! "
KATIE REES
" You spend all your time thanking others and rightly so however Alana here is a thank you to you. You work so hard and I honestly admire your commitment to our beautiful planet with all your wonderful projects. "
COLLEEN
" About a year ago, I saw a poorly pigeon on the school run, huddled by a wall. My son was heartbroken. I promised him I'd catch the pigeon on the way home and find help for them if they were still there.
When I went back, sure enough, the pigeon was still there. I tried to catch them, but they flapped off. I had my pushchair with me, so I couldn't sneak up on it very well. It managed a low flight over 4 lanes of traffic, where it more collapsed than landed.
I had made a promise.
I walked to the crossing and doubled back. The poor pigeon was shivering, eyes closed. My last chance. If they made it up into the tree overhead, I couldn't get to them.
I moved quickly, before they realised I was there. Success! I had the pigeon. They had a chance! I held the bird to my chest with one hand. They settled in against the warmth of my body and went to sleep.
This poor, poor pigeon was emaciated, dirty. They had ornithosis, candida and canker.
They were in a bad way and needed urgent care. I phoned vets. I phoned known rescues. Nobody wanted to treat them. I felt defeated, but I had made a promise, and I couldn't face telling my son that nobody but us cared for this innocent little animal, and I had to have them PTS.
With Covid rife, I contacted you guys, not expecting anyone in my area. The driver (her name was Yvonne) came at short notice to collect the pigeon and transport them to Rescue.
I can't tell you how much it means to me, to this day, that we were able to come together to give the pigeon a chance, and I didn't have to let my son down.
He cares so much about nature and animals, he's learned that from me but taken it to the next level. I don't want to ever break his young spirit and make him give up because it seems like he's the only one trying. I've felt like that before, and it's not a nice way to feel at all. We need hearts like his to bring up the rear and be the next generation of rehabbers and rescuers.
Without you and the work you all do, I would have had to show him a dark side to the world that he doesn't need to know about yet. He's bright eyed and hopeful, full of love and empathy. I mean, he's probably on the spectrum but trying to get taken seriously about it, especially with Covid, it's a nightmare.
So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Thank you for helping that pigeon, and helping me protect my little boy's heart
He still talks about that pigeon. He's planned a whole life for them in his head. He imagines them flying high through the sky, having babies, all of that. He'll probably always remember, and when he talks about it his eyes shine and he beams pride and genuine happiness.
Sorry about the long post. I just wanted to try and convey the situation I was in, and how grateful I am to all of you for your help. You're incredible. Thank you Alana, and thank you Yvonne!! "
JO WRIGHT
" Had nothing but good experiences!
Always above and beyond helpful and the loveliest people that so clearly always have the best intentions. From the very first moment contact was made, everyone at work has been so impressed with the whole organisation and the way it’s run, and how careful and proactive all the coordinators and volunteers are. "
JUDE PEA
" Well… If it wasn’t for your amazing group I’d never have got to rehab and release the shoutiest gull chick I ever met this summer! Thanks so much for what you do Alana Hurd and all your amazing volunteers.
I love how the process is so professional and structured so you know everything is taken care of and what’s going to happen. "
RUTH PEPLOE
(DRIVER)
" I have now been lucky to help with the Transport for a variety of birds - baby Robin, Corvid, many Pigeons and even a Kestrel! I have had the pleasure of going to small rescues and several times long distance journeys to Tiggywinkles.
At all times I have been kept informed and kept in contact with the Co-ordinator on that day, that not only monitors the animal's welfare but mine as well, whilst organising everything behind the scenes. I am so happy that I found this group and I am able to do a little something to help change lives. Keep going Alana, all the other co-ordinators and all my fellow drivers, so proud to be part of this amazing team xxxx "
CATHERINE STONE
" You helped me out collecting a bird from Rosewood Vets not too long ago and took it to a rescue for us along with the meds. Couldn't fault you. Very grateful for your help. "
LINDSAY
" You have always helped us with casualties and most of these would have been PTS if it wasn’t for this service, Alana and all of the amazing volunteers who give up their time for free x "
LOUISE LAKE
" I spoke to you a long while ago about transporting a poorly hedgehog from an elderly gentleman, you were friendly and professional and couldn't have been more helpful and did your absolute upmost to organise a transporter to collect the hedgehog. I love the fact you help all kinds of wildlife.
Without UK Transporters a lot of wildlife wouldn't stand a chance. So thank you to yourself and your fabulous team for all the hard work you do, people do not realise how much work goes on in the background. Your passion and dedication is greatly appreciated!! X x "
ALMOST 650 WILDLIFE CASUALTIES TRANSPORTED
(2020 - 2024)
JENNIFER BUCHANAN
" Hi Alana, you put me in touch with a lovely transporter near Midlothian who was so helpful. Sadly the lil pigeon was too far gone with terrible injuries and was PTS at the vets but she listened to me and comforted me when I cried. You were also super helpful on the phone.Thank you for everything you do, sadly I don't remember the transporter's name. "
SAMANTA JANEY
" I love UK transporters because you helped me with the little Crow I found in July. No one else would help me, for over a week I tried every number I could find to get him checked over or help and no one would. Just you and Tiggywinkles were the only ones and I won’t never forget, never!
You are wonderful people in my eyes. "
DIANE BRIERLY
" Alana & her team are all doing a fantastic & very professional job. I have also been a volunteer driver for our local wildlife rescue for over 20 years & speak from experience. Keep up the great job everyone... Wildlife is relying on you. "
KYM BANNERMAN
(DRIVER)
" I have had the honour of rescuing on 2 occasions from where I live to Hessilhead Wildlife Centre (about a 2 hr round trip).
On one occasion it was 3 gulls so had to use my own container too (as one per container).
The contact I have had with Alana has been nothing but professional in all instances I’ve been involved in and will always update everyone if new policies come into force etc. All this has been done in her own time and she hasn’t received anything monetary from it.
If it wasn’t for Alana then I hate to think how many more animals would have been left to suffer without help.
Thank you Alana for everything you have done to make this group successful. It’s about the animals that are rescued xxx "
ASHLEY DALE
" Myself and my rescue have worked with Alana for over a year and she has only ever been professional and efficient, with the animal welfare at the forefront of her mind.
To be honest UKWT plays such a vital part in helping us get wildlife to carers and vets that I would never want to go back to before we had this fantastic group.
Transporting wildlife to where they need to go is often the most difficult part and is literally life and death for the individual, without Alana we would not have saved as many animals as we have this year.
We owe her and her awesome team our thanks and gratitude…. "
MIA JAMES
" I first used UKWT a year ago. My most favourite of all my favourite pigeons got seriously ill. A lovely almost white elegant pigeon called Seagull. All the rescues in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Rotherham were full. I had posted on a pigeon forum and Linjoy Sanctuary got in touch saying he needed urgent treatment.
I don't have a car and couldn't find anyone to give him a lift. The train didn't go that close to the sanctuary and I had a broken ankle so much as I loved this bird I couldn't face this journey.
UKWT were professional, understanding, efficient and quickly organised a lift from the excellent wildlife rescuer Mark Walker who did a 100 mile round trip to rescue my beloved Seagull (pigeon) and get him the medical care he needed. Last month again, at very short notice they were wonderful and Helen drove 100 miles during a petrol crisis to take three very sick Sheffield pigeons to Linjoy Sanctuary.
We were so stressed about these birds and that strangers will do this service for them (when urban birds in particular are subject to so much hate) makes me want to cry with how grateful and happy we were that they were given a chance of survival. "
WILD THINGS RESCUE
" I have had numerous positive experiences with UK Wildlife Transporters. We have had casualties transported to us and also used this absolutely essential service. I was amazed by the professionalism and the lengths that both the co-ordinators and the drivers go to to minimise the suffering of wildlife and ensure the best outcome for each individual.
Knowing Alana personally you wouldn't BELIEVE the level of effort this lady puts in day after day after day to make things better for our wildlife.
My heart goes out to you."
CAROLINE WATKINS
" Having had assistance via Alana in the past, UKWT are really professional and almost military precision. The whole team are fantastic and so many little lives stand testimony to what a fab group of people they are. "
KERRY GIBSON
" Alana you are doing a fantastic job. You have helped loads of pigeons which would have passed in agony had it not been for you. I have had the pleasure of meeting them... Some sad cases but wow some amazing cases.... I'm so in love with all the pigeons Eden Lane has taken and I'm back in a cpl of weeks to see the whole flock... "
HEDGEHOG HELPLINE
(SARAH LINEY)
" Since my first interaction with Alana I have found her to be 100% professional and always has the best interests of the animal at the front of everything she does.
To ensure that rescues are legitimate is also testament to her dedication for the care of wildlife.
She has trained her team on the phone who do a sterling job and are very helpful and supportive. Very efficient and communicate verbally and confirm details via email.
The transporters/drivers again do an outstanding job, travelling miles to collect and deliver the wildlife, who then confirm their ETA based on the traffic conditions.
They have always ensured our hedgehogs are on heat and in the appropriate carrier.
They are truly outstanding and all volunteers, many with day jobs.
Thank you to all the team for your work to date supporting not only myself but my fellow carers at Hedgehog Helpline. We appreciate everything you do. "
RUTH MARTIN
" Alana and UKWT have always been positive, determined and professional, helping to cooperate and find solutions and often taking a lot of time and effort to do so in difficult/stressful situations.
You should be proud of what you've achieved here and all the animals, rescues and members of the public you've helped through UKWT. We really appreciate you, and the animals are lucky to have you."
MOUSEHOLE WILD BIRD HOSPITAL
" As a charity that is registered with UK Wildlife Transporters, we have used the service to find transportation and accepted casualties via transporters. We have had nothing but excellent experiences.
Knowing how thorough the policies of UKWT are, we are confident that both the birds and transporters are safe and that the casualties are well looked after during the journey to an appropriate facility.
The many hours put in by the founder, Alana, often in her spare time and all the volunteers is something to be commended to the highest level and we cannot emphasise the importance and need for a service like this! "
DEBORAH MASSEY
" Thank you, Thank you, Thank you... You wonderful people! Reuben the crow is now safely on his way to Animals in Need at Little Irchester Northants. Without the help and advice of Wildlife Transporters UK I think he might have died of shock. Thank you again. "
CAZ PERKINS
" Wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for helping in the transport of 'Pie' to Tiggywinks, I was at a loss until someone told me about UKWT. Thank you to the lovely lady who drove for hours to make sure the little magpie would get the help he needed. You all do such an amazing job, quick to respond and very helpful. Wildlife angels thank you for all you do. "