I am the Rescue Director for Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset and Wales. I am also the South West events coordinator. I have a small but dedicated team to help me cover these areas. Birdline parrot rescue has been part of my life for more than a decade now.

I, like many, did not do my homework before buying a parrot. I didn’t even know there was such a charity that rescued them and only stumbled across Birdline whilst talking to a local pet shop owner. To begin with I fostered a companion for my African grey, then I got involved with events and fund raising and slowly over the years worked up to the positions I hold now.

I have a great passion for these wonderful creatures and with Birdline’s help my knowledge for them has also grown over the years and continues to grow.

I originally joined Birdline as I was looking for a companion for my own parrot as my working hours were changing and I wanted to offer a home to a bird in need rather than buying.   After chatting to a few people on the... I originally joined Birdline as I was looking for a companion for my own parrot as my working hours were changing and I wanted to offer a home to a bird in need rather than buying.

After chatting to a few people on the Birdline forum I decided to offer to safehouse. It took me 6 months to get my first safehouse bird, but I understood the importance of only offering a temporary home to the right bird and Birdline only had a very few members in Scotland at this point.

After a few months Birdline were short of area co-ordinators so I signed up to help. I helped form the Northern show team to help fund raise and raise awareness which I love being part of and the rest is history. I am now Director for Scotland.

I have been with Birdline for many years. I love seeing new birds find their forever homes. The satisfaction of knowing they are loved and cared for is priceless. My journey with Birdline spans many years, driven by my passion for finding birds their forever homes. The satisfaction of knowing they are loved and cared for is truly priceless.

I began my involvement with Birdline as a safe house provider, a crucial role that allowed the rescue to operate by offering temporary homes for birds in need. I then advanced to the position of Area Coordinator (ACO) for Kent, where I witnessed firsthand the varied circumstances from which birds came. Some arrived in dire conditions, while others were deeply loved but had to be given up by owners who could no longer care for them. These emotional encounters often left both the donors and myself in tears.

My dedication and experience led to my promotion to manager, though I continued my role as Area Coordinator, which I still hold today. Eventually, I was appointed as Rehoming Director, where I built and now lead a dedicated team of rehoming officers. Together, we diligently process applications from individuals seeking to foster birds. In addition to this role, I also serve as the Rescue Director for the South East, collaborating with managers, area coordinators, and safe houses.

Over the years, my extensive interaction with veterinarians has provided me with a deep understanding of avian health and wellbeing, keeping me informed about medications and diseases. I have personally cared for special needs birds, including those facing euthanasia, nursing them back to health and ensuring they find suitable homes where their specific needs are met.

Despite the emotional and stressful challenges that come with my roles, my love for what I do remains unwavering. Witnessing the transformation of a bird from rescue to a loving, safe home makes every effort worthwhile. This commitment drives our team to continue our mission, knowing that every rehomed bird represents a success story of care and compassion.

I started my volunteer journey by supporting the website around ten years ago, and at that time we had a couple of smaller parrots, the last one being a Senegal. While unfortunately due to family circumstances I cannot have a parrot at home right now, I still really enjoy supporting the charity through the website and in any other way I can.