THE AVIARY in Bournemouth’s lower gardens is giving people the opportunity to sponsor a bird and help rebuild its current facilities by purchasing a plaque.

Engraved bird plaques are now available to buy to help support the fundraising campaign for the aviary. The plaques are available in three sizes, a small bird is £25, medium bird £50 and a large parrot is £100, and can be used to celebrate an occasion, remember a loved one or simply support the rebuild of the aviary.

Cathi Farrer, Manager of the Bournemouth Parks Foundation said: “Our engraved bird plaques are the perfect way for our local community to support the rebuild of the aviary.

“We’ve now raised £103,769 towards our £200,000 target. Lots of fundraising activities have been run by the local community and organisations recently to help us reach our target.

“One local community member, Ben Williams, even shaved off his five-year-old beard and raised £285 for us.”

The aviary birds are all rehomed rescue birds, and the project is funded entirely by donation with volunteers running the site. Bournemouth Parks Foundation is fundraising for the rebuild, which already has planning permission at its current Pine Walk site.

Karen Doran, a volunteer at the aviary who’s recently purchased an engraved bird plaque said: “Having previously been a regular volunteer to the aviary, I realise the importance of having a new one built for the health and wellbeing of all the birds housed there.

“I have recently purchased some plaques in memory of lost loved ones and also to welcome new additions.”

Councillor Hazel Allan who’s supporting the fundraising activities said: “This is another great initiative to help fund the refurbishment of the aviary, which offers a home to rescue birds.

“Let’s help to ensure this attraction, which is a big part of Bournemouth’s heritage, is rebuilt as soon as possible.”

To purchase an engraved bird plaque or donate online, visit https://www.bournemouthparksfoundation.org.uk/our-projects/rebuilding-bournemouths-aviary/.