Raystede has been caring for animals in Sussex for almost 75 years - and we want to do so for the next 75 years and beyond. To ensure we can do that, we’re undertaking a comprehensive review of our organisation.
Like many charities, we are facing significant financial challenges. We finished the financial year 2025 – 2026 with a deficit of over £1m. Despite stringent financial management, our income cannot currently keep up with rising costs – feed, bedding, salaries, veterinary, heating and lighting - many of which are beyond our control. The increasing pressures on the animal welfare sector, especially financial, mean we are not alone in having to adapt and change, but one thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option.
As part of this review, we are proposing to phase out onsite care for aviary birds and fowl. This reflects long-standing welfare challenges - including the complex needs of many aviary species and prolonged Avian Influenza restrictions, which require all our birds to be confined for around 45% of each year. We know that many of our supporters have a deep emotional connection to the birds in our care. We feel that too. This is a significant change and will be undertaken with compassion and careful consideration, with animal welfare at the heart of every decision.
What Raystede will never change is our commitment to the animals in our care, our staff and volunteers, and so while we do our utmost to answer your questions as best we can, during this planning and consultation phase there will inevitably be some questions we can’t yet answer.
You can read more in-depth information and FAQs via the following link - www.raystede.org/future.
We really appreciate and value your support, so thank you for standing with us, so together we can ensure Raystede is fit for the future for the animals - and people - who need us most.