A snapshot of what we have achieved so far

We have already raised and spent over £90,000 on the site just to do the required GROUND works. This includes the enormous task of getting running water onto our land. Having electricity cables run to the build site. Drainage pipes dug into the land for water and sewage removal. The removal of an old and unfit for purpose septic tank and the installation of a new larger septic tank. The creation of a drainage reed bed area for environmentally friendly waste dispersion. Clearing of all the drainage ditches surrounding the land, which had to be done carefully so that we did not disturb the habitat of the crested newts We also had to ensure preservation of our pond area and that included paying for fencing around it as well as additional fencing throughout the farm. Then there was a considerable charge for having our hedgerows trimmed to the correct specifications to ensure wildlife habitat was not destroyed.

We then had to appoint and pay for an architect to draw up the plans for the kennels/cattery and apply to the local council for planning permission. Before this was granted, we were made to pay for an environmental and a full sound survey, neither which were cheap.

This left us in 2023 with much of the new build below ground works completed. Unfortunately, we could not progress any further as we had exhausted our fundraising money and our savings.

We have continued to fundraise throughout 2024, and we have had some amazing donations and support from members of the public, local businesses and community partnerships. Our charity shops have been well supported but unfortunately the money they earn all goes back into paying for the daily running costs of the sanctuary. Vets’ bills, medication, food, bedding, to name but a few and whilst we have opened a fifth shop in December 2024 most of any profit made will go to cover the national minimum wage increase in April. and even though we keep numbers of paid staff to a bare minimum it still leaves us a considerable wage bill each year. We are also constantly receiving higher and higher utility bills, raised insurance premiums, hikes in food prices for all our animals. This means it is difficult to save money to go towards our build.

We have lots of new ideas and events planned for fund raising and community partnerships throughout 2025 and we urge people to support us in these ventures. We are confident that with our continued hard work and dedication and continued public support of donations of money, goods and time we will reach our goals.

Please click on our events and get involved buttons

Kind regards

The board of trustees.