Small acts of kindness can mean the difference between life and death for wildlife.
According to the RSPCA’s 2026 Kindness Index, most British residents have no idea where to start with helping sick or injured wildlife. The charity recommends picking up any animals that are unwell and taking them to a vet, but the majority of people report being unaware of this first step.
Hedgehogs are the most common creatures in need of help from members of the public, with ore than 1,500 being admitted to RSPCA centres in 2025 alone. This was followed by wood pigeons, feral pigeons, ducks and blackbirds.
‘The RSPCA Kindness Index shows that while many people want to do their bit, many would struggle to know what to do if they came across an animal in need,’ said Rebecca Machin, RSPCA wildlife expert. ‘Anyone can find out what to do if they find a sick or injured animal who needs help. Learning how to safely handle small wildlife or pets and building a rescue box to keep in your car can make a big difference for animals.’
‘We know that kind acts, however small, combine to create a more compassionate world,’ she continued. ‘There are so many ways you can show your kindness to animals this summer, and something as simple as having a rescue box ready to go could have a huge impact on your local wildlife. It’s also a great way for parents to get their little ones involved and encourage them to learn about animal welfare.’
To make a wildlife rescue box, watch the following video: