I am writing to express my support for Trevor Weeks' suggestion that Bentley Wildfowl should be seriously considered as a location for the National Swan Sanctuary, which is currently seeking a new home (Letters, February 6).

This charity, which Dot Beesom founded in 1988, is not only renowned worldwide for its knowledge and expertise, but Dot, her partner and team of volunteers, have a wealth of experience in running a substantial and extremely successful waterfowl sanctuary.

Each year, thousands of swans are injured by poison, pylons, pollution, fish hooks and vandalism.

Dot and her team are dedicated to rescuing, treating and rehabilitating these casualties, many of which would perish if it wasn't for the sanctuary's commitment, together with that of wildlife rescue organisations throughout the country.

Apart from this, the sanctuary provides advice, is on call 24 hours a day and is an excellent source of educational material.

Having visited the sanctuary in recent years while transporting casualties, I have no doubt it would be an enormous asset to Bentley and the county and would enhance the current facilities for tourists and those wishing to gain specialist knowledge.

In 1978, Mary Askew generously gave a large part of the estate to the people of Sussex and to lose such a gift would be tragic. The relocation of the Swan Sanctuary would enhance the current status of Bentley Wildfowl and would ensure that injured wildlife would find a safe haven before hopefully being returned to the wild.

I would urge anyone concerned about both the future of Bentley and our wildlife to support this proposal.

-Sam Rillim, Brighton