The Fox Rescuers is an animal Charity based in Stockport which specialises exclusively in the rescue, rehabilitation and subsequent release of foxes. The rescue is run by Paul McDonald and Carol Gowrie who set up the rescue in June 2019 and who, combined, have over 12 years of hands-on experience with foxes. We offer an emergency helpline for foxes in need of emergency care who fall within our catchment area of the North West and West Midlands, along with an advice line for those outside of that area. For non-emergencies within our catchment we offer a trapping service for foxes with illnesses and injuries which need treatment and veterinary care. The Fox Unit (hospital) itself is based in a converted outbuilding on a piece of land attached to a residential property and is fitted with all the necessary equipment to house and care for 6 adult foxes at any one time, with some overflow accommodation when necessary.
Posted on 6th February 2025
**RELEASE SITE APPEAL**
We are starting our appeal for orphaned cub release sites early this year so we don't get caught off-guard when looking for release locations in the spring/summer months when we usually have our hands full taking care of cubs. Every year, we get calls about lone fox cubs who we end up keeping in as reuniting with families is either unfeasible or has failed. These cubs stay with us for several months before being put into a release pen at sites in rural areas (to avoid busy roads in urban areas) where they will stay for around a month before being released into the wild. It helps us to have as many options as possible regarding sites, as a lot of the time offers fall through either due to change in circumstances of the fosterer, or if cubs are already present in the area - we don't release in locations where cubs have been spotted so as to avoid too much competition when finding territories. So, what is involved?
The Process
We carry out soft-releases of our cubs, which means they are kept in a pen (just over 6x12ft) at the release site for ~4 weeks around August-September, to allow them to acclimatise themselves to the area before the door is open and they are free to live their wild lives. Once the door is opened, food is still supplied in the pen to allow cubs that life-line whilst they find their feet and are able to learn to fend for themselves.
What is Required?
Release pens will need cleaning/food replacing twice daily – morning and evening, and they can get quite messy with 5 growing cubs in them, so it will require a time commitment from fosterers, and bales of shavings that line the floor of the pens are quite heavy so this is something to be aware of when applying to be a fosterer/offer a release site. Obviously, you’ll need the space for the pen itself, plus storage space for food/bedding. A tame cub in the wild won’t last long, so we need fosterers to be aware of this and to be as hands off as possible when dealing with the cubs so as to keep them wild.
Preferred Locations
Rural areas
Away from busy roads
No hunts/shoots or trigger happy farmers nearby
Area pen can be placed not far from residence of fosterer due to security purposes
No cubs already present
Do you fit the bill or know of anyone who does, and want to get actively involved in helping wildlife? Then get in touch with us! We are willing to travel for decent sites, so don’t be put off if you’re not in the North West area.
Admittance date: 22nd January 2025
Hephaestus was picked up by a member of the public and taken to a vets who then called us. He was suffering from multiple wounds on his side and also an injury to his tail which has resulted in part of it being missing/bone exposed. He's been seen by our vets and has had the exposed bone removed, and has been on a course of antibiotics and painkiller. Currently having bandage changed on his tail and wound cleaning. Once we're comfortable it's healed over enough we will release him back home.