Please Note!

Due to the England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, our Aviaries, lakes and Sanctuary area are closed to the public. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

Scheduled maintenance for Café Raystede in January 2026

Café Raystede will be closed for general maintenance from Friday 2 January, reopening on Saturday 17 January.

2026 Kent Downs Challenge

Walk, jog or run across the Garden of England

Sign up today on the Ultra Challenge website!

Registration Fee: From £20
Fundraising Target: From £70 (exc. Gift Aid)

Sign up
Event Date

10 October 2026

Join #TeamRaystede and take on the Kent Downs Challenge to help injured and unwanted animals in need!

We've teamed up with the Ultra Challenge Series to offer you the chance to take on the Garden of England's finest scenery with a walk, jog, or a run!

Starting on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill, the challenge takes you around picturesque Aylesford, and follows the River Medway to Mote Park at halfway for a picnic. You'll then go along the Len Valley Walk to the majestic Leeds Castle, to the North Downs Way and back to the showground finish line and celebration.

With 50km, 25km and 10km options available, there's a challenge here for everyone, and you can join as an individual or as a team with friends, family or colleagues.

As you cross the finish line, you’ll get a big welcome from the cheer squad, a glass of fizz, t-shirt, and a medal to celebrate your special achievement for Raystede.

Click here for more details and to sign up

By taking part, you will receive:

  • Sign up from £20
  • A Raystede fundraising pack
  • Raystede t-shirt - proudly show off that you're part of #TeamRaystede
  • Support leading up to the event
  • Tips and advice to help you achieve your fundraising target
  • A fully signed route, with a team of "Trekmasters" out on the trail with you
  • Camping, transfer and parking options to make getting there and away easy
  • A glass of fizz, medal and Ultra Challenge t-shirt at the finish
Click here for more details and to sign up

The difference your money makes...

  • £75 helps us feed all our small animals for a week.
  • £200 could cover the costs of caring for a rabbit for a month.
  • £300 can buy a month's worth of essential supplements for our aviary birds.

Any Questions? Please contact the events team on 01825 840 747 or email fundraisingevents@raystede.org