Wildlife volunteer responds to critics after bird rescued by fire crew in Brampton

A volunteer said a jackdaw trapped in netting in Brampton was freed by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, recovered overnight and rejoined its group; the volunteer criticised online comments calling the rescue a misuse of emergency time.

An animal rescue volunteer responded to criticism after a bird was freed by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service in Brampton. The incident took place on Tuesday, December 30 after a report of a small animal trapped in netting on a building in Market Place, Brampton. Volunteer Kate Wakefield said the bird was identified as a jackdaw with netting tightly wound around its neck, body, wings and legs and that other jackdaws had tried to free it for hours. Firefighters used a turntable ladder and cutters in an operation that lasted about an hour, and the jackdaw was released after an overnight recovery and rejoined its family group. Known details: - The call came on Tuesday, December 30 to Market Place in Brampton and involved Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and an animal rescue team. - Volunteer Kate Wakefield, who works with several animal welfare charities, was present during the rescue. - The bird was identified as a jackdaw and reported to have netting tightly wound around multiple parts of its body. - Several other jackdaws were seen attempting to free the trapped bird before emergency teams arrived. - Firefighters used a turntable ladder and cutters and the operation lasted around an hour. - Kate Wakefield noted the jackdaw was released after an overnight recovery and has previously helped injured birds, including a crow in 2025. Summary: The volunteer criticised comments that suggested the rescue was a misuse of emergency resources, saying such complaints did not reflect the facts of the case. The episode underscores local rescue efforts and ongoing concern for wildlife; Undetermined at this time.