Oiled birds and oil spills

The appropriate organisation to contact for an oil spill depends on where the spill has occurred.

For coastal incidents:

For inland incidents:

If there are live oiled birds, please also report to:

  • RSPCA:
  • 0300 1234 999, National
    0300 123 0723, Mallydams Wood Wildlife Unit, Hastings

Oil is particularly toxic to a bird if ingested, which easily happens when they try to preen off the oil. Please do not attempt to clean birds yourself, it requires specialist equipment and expertise. Do not touch dead or sick birds.