Lack of funding and government support forces Oiled Wildlife Response Network to close

Pauline Beades (right) of the Oiled Wildlife Response Network training with Sophie Ward in Holland. 'We have tried desperately over the years to come up with some sort of funding framework.'

The Oiled Wildlife Response Network (OWRN) has announced the “heartbreaking decision” that it is winding down its operation, after 20 years, blaming a lack of government support and funding.

The move comes despite the network playing a key role in overseeing the rescue of 150 oiled birds off the east coast recently. OWRN is a group of specialist conservation and animal welfare organisations who train volunteers to act as ‘first responders’ in the event of an oil spill.