As energy prices rise across the country, a wildlife hospital in Sidlesham says installing solar panels was a “no-brainer.”
Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital has saved more than three thousand pounds since fitting 51 panels on two of its buildings last year.
The charity says the savings on energy bills, during a tough year for fundraising, mean it can continue caring for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
The charity cares for around 3,000 animals a year with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats. It treats small birds like robins, as well as owls and swans, alongside mammals such as hedgehogs, foxes and deer. In 2024, they treated 79 different species of birds and 23 species of mammals.
Robert Knight, general manager at Brent Lodge, said: “The difference the solar panels make in terms of financial impact is around £3,000 so far. It provides us with long-term sustainability. Using energy that we don’t have to pay for really helps us to fight our deficit each month.”
And it’s not only the financial impact, but the environmental impact is important to the charity too.
“By our very nature, we’re a non-profit organisation. We’re here to give back to our cause, which is wildlife, and we care about wildlife and the environment equally, especially as we’re releasing wildlife into the environment,” Rob said.
Energy costs at the hospital are ‘significant’, with equipment such as patient incubators and x-ray machines being energy intensive - so the savings made through solar make all the difference.
"Fundraising is becoming more challenging, with fewer legacy donations each year and rising costs in retail for its charity shops", Rob said.
But the work never stops at Brent Lodge, and the lights need to stay on, so renewable energy is a big part of the strategy. In the future, the charity is hoping to fundraise for storage batteries, which means the hospital can store excess energy from the solar panels to use overnight or on overcast days - a move which would cost around £9,000.
If you can help support Brent Lodge whether that’s bringing a small pack of newspaper in the wintertime for hedgehog bedding, cat or dog food or setting up a monthly donation, they'd very much appreciate the support.
To find out more, visit: www.brentlodge.org
Drought declared in parts of Sussex as Ardingly Reservoir levels plummet
West Sussex parents can now apply for child school places for 2026
Water neutrality in West Sussex and what this means for new homes
Applications open for Fire Cadet programme in Bognor Regis
Learn CPR in the South with SECAmb at a location near you this Restart a Heart Day
Appeal for witnesses following road traffic incident in Portsmouth
Oxford Investigation Service brings dedicated counter fraud expertise to Arun
21K homes given go ahead in parts of West Sussex
'Safer Steps Community Run' takes to the road in Bognor Regis
Decision due on Eastbourne bus lanes
On Air