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About Raystede

Celebrating 70 years of caring for animals in need

70 years of caring for animals


Raystede is celebrating 70 years of caring for animals. Since the late Miss M. Raymonde-Hawkins founded Raystede from her cottage in 1952, we have worked to alleviate animal cruelty, rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and provide sanctuary for animals in need.

Today we are one of the most diverse rescue centres in the UK because we care for so many different species of animals, with our staff, volunteers, and supporters helping more than 1,200 vulnerable animals each year from our 43-acre site. We also pledge to make the future better for animals through our education programmes and activities.

Rehoming, rehabilitating and providing sanctuary


At Raystede we care for and rehome a wide range of animals including dogs, cats and small animals. We also care for exotic birds in our aviaries, fowl, and tortoises as well as larger animals. We couldn’t do what we do without you! Generous donations allows us to rescue and care for animals in need.

Many of the larger animals live at Raystede permanently, we have elderly goats, alpaca and equines that require specialist care and medication and we will support these animals for the rest of their life. If we feel any of our younger, more able equines or goats would thrive in an environment outside of Raystede we will allow these particular animals to either go out on loan or be rehomed.

Rehoming, rehabilitating and providing sanctuary


At Raystede we care for and rehome a wide range of animals including dogs, cats and small animals. We also care for exotic birds in our aviaries, fowl, and tortoises as well as larger animals. We couldn’t do what we do without you! Generous donations allows us to rescue and care for animals in need.

Many of the larger animals live at Raystede permanently, we have elderly goats, alpaca and equines that require specialist care and medication and we will support these animals for the rest of their life. If we feel any of our younger, more able equines or goats would thrive in an environment outside of Raystede we will allow these particular animals to either go out on loan or be rehomed.

Education is essential for a better future for animals


Our team are invested in helping the pet owners of the future understand about good animal welfare. By offering practical advice on how to care for animals we are helping to make the future for animals better.

From learning about pets and their care using our online resources, to a range of learning opportunities for schools and community groups, family learning days, tours and talks, there is something for everyone to get involved with.

We welcome visitors


Raystede welcomes visitors to find out more about the work we do and share the tranquil surroundings that many animals call home. Please book a free ticket, our friendly Welcoming Team will greet you at the entrance.

There is ample parking, excellent wheelchair access and we are dog friendly.

We have a dedicated charity shop where you can bag a bargain (designer labels and other hidden gems have been discovered) and a dog friendly cafe where our staff bake fresh cakes every day.

Although our founder, Miss Raymonde-Hawkins was a hero in her own right, Raystede has always been about our supporters. We couldn’t do what we do without you and it is your generous donations that allow us to rescue and care for animals in need.

We rely on your donations to help animals like Topsy.

When Topsy arrived with us, he was severely underweight and needed a lot of care. We couldn't help the amount of animals we do without your support. Please donate to help more animals get the care they deserve.

Donate