A BIRD rescue on Mersea says it is facing a “critical moment” as it only has just over a week to raise money to pay rent for its facilities.

Annette Gibb is the founder of the Mersea Island Bird Rescue and Release, a community organisation that helps care for birds from “all around” including as far away as Clacton.

Ms Gibb said without money to cover rent, the rescue would “slowly” have to shut down.

£200 has been raised online already for the rent which is due on Friday June 28 but Ms Gibb added: “It’s £250 a month for rent, we struggle every month to get enough for rent.

“It’s getting to the point where we have to shut down. Not straight away but we would slowly close down. It’s just not doable.”

Care - A kestrel that was attended to and is now betterCare - A kestrel that was attended to and is now better (Image: Annette Gibb)

Ms Gibb also said that herself and the small group of volunteers spend money on medication, food for birds, and treatment.

She said: “We’ve looked into charity status, but this requires £5k a year in donations which we are not close to. We’ve been busy looking after the birds instead.”

Ms Gibb also made clear that the rescue was “almost at full capacity” meaning that even though they would not “turn birds away” that they would have to be careful about how many birds they take.

She said that as it gets into summer that “more and more birds” will be coming in meaning if the rescue closes that “they will just die as people will not know what to do with them.”

Cosy - A baby magpie that was cared for by the rescue centreCosy - A baby magpie that was cared for by the rescue centre (Image: Annette Gibb)

The bird rescue is also raising money to purchase “stackable individual cages” which are crucial for providing each bird with space and safety while they are nursed back to health.

There are several ways to either donate or help the bird rescue.

Towels, pillowcases, and bird-safe cleaning supplies can be provided by donating to the Amazon Wishlist available at.

While you can donate towards the monthly rental fee, medication, or supplies at the gofundme page here https://gofund.me/babe8da5.

Volunteering is also another option to make “a difference in the lives of these beautiful birds.”