by YASMINE BLACKMAN

A BIRD of prey centre faces the threat of closure due to a lack of donations – just a year after its opening.

MYCA Falconry’s Bird of Prey Centre, in Belhus Woods Country Park, South Ockendon, is run by volunteers Jenette and Wayne Ogborn, and receives no council funding.

The centre relies entirely on donations from the public and fundraising events and donations help fund the care of the birds, including veterinary care, equipment, legal insurances, licenses and more.

Without donations the centre – which is home to 14 birds including a beautiful boobook owl called Marley and barn owl Amy – fears it will not be able to stay open and continue its good work.

Jenette said: “We have good and bad days, although on many occasions we have had nothing in our pots or less than £5.

“We do this because we have a love for our birds and it is family orientated.

“Children come to the centre each day and they love the outdoors, exploring and the nature they encounter. More children and parents should take walks around forests and watch nature as it passes you by.”

For more information about MYCA, or to donate to the cuase log on to www.mycafalconry.co.uk. Donation buckets can also be located at the centre.