About
About New Arc Wildlife Rescue
New Arc Wildlife Rescue is a Scottish registered charity (SC037332) dedicated to the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned native wildlife. Based in Aberdeenshire, just outside Ellon, we are the largest wildlife rescue centre in the North-East of Scotland, providing a vital frontline service for wildlife casualties across the region.
Founded in 2006 by Keith and Pauline Marley, the organisation began as a small, home-based rescue caring for a wide range of animals. As demand increased and the need for specialist wildlife care became clear, the charity evolved to focus exclusively on wildlife rehabilitation. Today, New Arc operates from a purpose-built wildlife hospital, constructed in 2020 to meet the growing complexity and volume of cases.
What We Do
New Arc Wildlife Rescue provides a comprehensive, professional wildlife rehabilitation service. Our work centres on three core objectives:
- Rescue – Responding to wildlife emergencies across North-East Scotland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Rehabilitation – Delivering specialist care to injured, sick and orphaned wildlife using evidence-based practices
- Release – Returning animals to the wild once they have fully recovered and are capable of independent survival
Each year, we admit over 2,800 wildlife casualties, ranging from common garden birds and hedgehogs to deer, otters, birds of prey and marine species. This number grows annually.
Since our establishment, we have cared for well over 20,000 animals, reflecting both the scale of need and the trust placed in our service by the public, veterinary professionals and partner organisations.
Our Role in the Sector
New Arc is a licensed Animal Welfare Establishment, operating under Aberdeenshire Council, and works in close collaboration with veterinary practices, government bodies and conservation stakeholders.
We are also an associate member of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, contributing to the development of standards, best practice and the ongoing professionalisation of the wildlife rehabilitation sector.
In addition to frontline rescue and care, we play an active role in education and capacity building, delivering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for veterinary professionals and those working within the wildlife sector. This work supports improved clinical decision-making, welfare outcomes and consistency of approach across the field.
We also work closely with Police Scotland to ensure that wildlife casualties attended by officers are managed efficiently and appropriately, enabling swift resolution and ensuring animals receive timely and suitable care.
Our service is not only reactive but advisory, providing guidance to the public to ensure wildlife is only intervened with when necessary, helping to prevent unnecessary removal from the wild.
A Specialist Environment
As a dedicated wildlife facility, New Arc is not open to the public for visits. Wildlife casualties are highly susceptible to stress, and maintaining a quiet, controlled environment is essential to successful rehabilitation and release outcomes.
Our facility is designed to meet the specific behavioural and physiological needs of wild animals, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care while minimising human habituation.
Our Team
In December 2022, the operational management of New Arc Wildlife Rescue transitioned to Paul Reynolds and Morgane Ristic, while founders Keith and Pauline Marley continued their involvement at trustee level.
Our work is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who deliver intensive, hands-on care every day of the year. From feeding and cleaning to clinical monitoring and rehabilitation planning, their contribution is essential to the success of the centre.
Funding and Support
New Arc Wildlife Rescue is entirely dependent on public donations and support to continue its work. As an independent charity, we receive no core government funding, making community support critical to maintaining our 24/7 rescue service and high standards of care.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple but critical:
To provide a professional, ethical and effective rescue and rehabilitation service that gives every wild animal the best possible chance of returning to its natural environment.