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.

Avian Influenza precautions

The Government has applied mandatory housing measures across the whole of England. This means that our Aviaries, lakes and Sanctuary area are closed to the public until the restrictions are lifted. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede but we are required to put in place a range of measures to protect our birds. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site – please book your ticket using the button below.

Sanctuary

Our Sanctuary area is made up of 9.5 acres of land and two large lakes, one of which houses Project Terrapin – our terrapin sanctuary – and the other usually provides a home to a variety of domestic fowl and wildfowl.

In this area, we care for over 100 terrapins as well as a variety of hens, cockerels, turkeys, ducks and geese.

Dogs on leads are very welcome on the designated dog walking path in this area.

Sanctuary

In this area, we care for over 100 terrapins as well as a variety of hens, cockerels, turkeys, ducks and geese.

Dogs on leads are very welcome on the designated dog walking path in this area.

Project Terrapin

Project Terrain consists of intake and isolation units, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and a basking beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there will be a beach for them to bask on.

Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. We will not be putting them up for adoption.

Find out more about Project Terrapin

Chickens

The chickens we care for are usually ex-commercial hens that were kept in confined spaces and used for egg production. Had we not rescued them, they would have been sent for slaughter around the age of 18 months old. Many of them are very scared and missing feathers when they arrive at Raystede but we care for them and make sure they become happy and healthy hens again. They still lay eggs and do a great job of trimming back the weeds!

All our hens and cockerels are usually available for rehoming, however, we are unable to do so until AIPZ restrictions have lifted.

Chickens

All our hens and cockerels are usually available for rehoming, however, we are unable to do so until AIPZ restrictions have lifted.

Turkeys

We have one male turkey, Gregory Peck here at Raystede. Gregory is a very proud and protective turkey who is not particularly keen on strangers and patrols the fence to keep his territory safe. Once you get to know him you'll realise he's a very gentle boy at heart. Did you know that you can sponsor Gregory Peck?

Geese

Raystede is also home to a small flock of Geese!

Geese

Raystede is also home to a small flock of Geese!

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

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