ILL health has forced one of the Forest's foremost wildlife rescue champions, Karen Davies-Buckingham, to retire.

Nicknamed the 'bird lady' by children near her Ruardean home she has spent 15 years as a volunteer rescuing sick and injured wildlife.

But severe disc degeneration of the spine, which started 25 years ago, means she suffers daily pain. In addition she suffers from Chronic Q Fever picked up from the animals she treats as well as ME.

"It really is time for me to start looking after myself for a change," says Karen. "This is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life but now really is the time to retire. I can only suggest that if you find a sick or injured animal that you telephone the RSPCA for advice and the internet has some good directories for animal welfare organisations. Many groups specialise in certain animals like bats and badgers."

Karen started out in wildlife rescue more than 15 years ago, firstly as an active volunteer for Gloucestershire Wildlife Rescue Centre and at the same time helping run Forest of Dean RSPCA branch for seven years.

During the last three years she has been self-funded, raising money through car boot sales, selling crafts and from donations from supporters.

But with young fledglings soon to be on the way, Karen says her mobility problems means she can no longer give the dedicated care they need.

"I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years, I couldn't have done so much without that help."