Thousands of pounds raised for Fritton Owl Sanctuary

Now, as the sanctuary faced closure due to expensive necessary upgrades to the facilities, bird lovers have shown their strong support of the site and its volunteers.

In December, senior volunteer Chrissi Palmer took charge of the project to save the aviary at Fritton between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft - by expanding the size of its enclosures after recent legislation changes deemed them too small.

The goal was to raise an initial £10,000 to start upgrading the living spaces of the dozens of owls which call the sanctuary home.

Fritton Owl Sanctuary needs to upgrade its enclosures or it may have its licence revoked. Picture - Fritton Owl Sanctuary (Image: Fritton Owl Sanctuary)Three weeks later, the future of the centre is looking bright as anonymous donors have given thousands, and the online fundraiser has amassed more than £13,000.

"We relied on people's kindness, and we have received a lot," said Ms Palmer.

"I don't think we realised what we're capable of as a community.

"We are very optimistic about the future, and we could not be more grateful to everyone who has helped."

Fritton Owl Sanctuary's project manager Chrissi Palmer with Ottie the owl. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Donors from as far as Sweden and Singapore have contributed to the sanctuary's future, nearby schools and colleges have also requested to have student programmes to help with the works, and even neighbours have offered spare paving slabs to help cut costs.

Businesses, including KB Scaffolding, Amari Plastics Norwich, Silverton Aggregates and Builders Merchants and John Devaney from Holmes Builders, have also helped with designs and materials.

The sanctuary is expected to have a total overhaul, with new enclosures, higher ceilings, improved disabled access and a memorial garden with a wildlife pond.

The inside of sanctuary is being cleared to make more space for the improved enclosures, with the plants and materials being used in the new memorial garden. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The sanctuary is working closely with the licencing department at Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Huxley's Birds of Prey Centre to ensure the enclosures adhere to regulations and the owls have the best place to roost. 

"We want to make something superb for everyone. Enclosures that don't just meet - but exceed - what is expected, and training for management and husbandry skills", Ms Palmer added.

Fortune, the great grey at Fritton Owl Sanctuary. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Work has already started with the first phase of new enclosures for the owls currently being built.

For more information, visit Please Help Fritton Owl Sanctuary - Charity on GoFundMe.

The first phase of upgrades have started at the owl sanctuary. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)