A bird rescue sanctuary that has struggled in the cost-of-living crisis is calling for help to expand and rescue more animals.

Set in an allotment in Finch Lane, Bushey, Ernie’s Bird Rescue has been operating for seven years.

To date, Atif Ansari, 49, has been running the sanctuary with permission of the council and the person who runs the allotment.

See more of Atif's interview in the video below.

 

Having started off small, it has grown over the years with locals calling Atif if there is an injured bird in their garden.

And this year, Atif, who lives in Garston, plans on making it a registered charity and expand, which is proving difficult.

He said: “We have grown so much over the years due to word of mouth.

Watford Observer: Atif AnsariAtif Ansari (Image: Atif Ansari)

“But we need more volunteers and that is the biggest hurdle.”

Currently, Atif, who works full time as a carer and part time as a cleaner, is looking after 100 pigeons and 50 other birds including, budgies, finches, canaries, and a parrot, with the help of 20 volunteers who help on a part time basis.      

So far, the sanctuary has been relying on donations and Atif has been using his own money for materials and equipment “hence the two jobs”.

Watford Observer: While Atif mainly looks after pigeons, he also takes in other rescue birds such as parrots. While Atif mainly looks after pigeons, he also takes in other rescue birds such as parrots. (Image: Atif Ansari)

He added: “During the last three months with the cost-of-living crisis, it has been difficult.

“But I have been very careful. I look for bargains while making sure they are good quality.

“And some of the local vets have helped me out with medicines for the birds.”

Atif also wants to take his work into the community.

Watford Observer: With the help of donations and by using his own money, Atif was able to build a shelter using recycled materials. With the help of donations and by using his own money, Atif was able to build a shelter using recycled materials. (Image: Atif Ansari)

He said: “By running the rescue I have met people with children who have special needs and the birds have helped to calm them.

“It has made me realise not enough is done to help people with special needs and perhaps the sanctuary can help in some way.”

While Atif does not have any formal training with birds, he has 35 years’ experience in helping them.

But why are birds so important to him?

He said: “It’s so many things, the love, the bond.

“When you help a bird fly off its an achievement and they always come back to say hello.”