How the Sanctuary was hatched
The Waterfowl Sanctuary is our home that we’ve engineered into a haven for our web-footed friends. The property was purchased specifically with this in mind - although we hadn't imagined it would escalate to become so busy or so well known and shared amongst the rehab and wildlife caring community. Our previous property had ducks nesting each year but it would sadden us when they would hatch, they'd spend a few hours on our pond and then the mum would take the babies to the water course behind our house where they would be picked off by a variety of predators. I know it's nature - but we love them and needed to do something to help their cause. So, we found a place near Huntingdon that had a large pond next to the house with other ponds close by within the boundary fence. We began to acquire new ducks from folk that needed to rehome them. The property at the time was not predator proof and so we set about building a large fence enclosing the main ponds but with the intention to keep it looking natural. The posts were painted green, green mesh fencing was used and electricity applied to the back. The resident fowl soon had 5.5 acres of predator proof environment which would attract more ducks, and more geese, and more hens, sorry, moorhens. The property came with an abandoned swimming pool which we renovated to become a suitable pond for keeping ducklings safe. This is covered with netting and hundreds of ducklings have lived here along with their mums until they're about three weeks old which is when they're safe from other birds attacking. We have become the permanent home for several injured and disabled friends that would otherwise suffer in the wild thanks to the many people out there that call rehab groups to help them. They all have very special personalities - unique and interesting and all deserve the opportunity to live safely. We like to think we have given them that opportunity and it’s a pleasure to assist them all.
