Redwings Horse Sanctuary has announced the start of a formal consultation process that could see the closure of two of its visitor centres, citing rising operating costs.
The proposals affect Redwings Mountains in Forfar, Angus, and Redwings Oxhill in Warwickshire, and impact 39 roles across the two sites. The consultation is expected to last at least one month.
Redwings Oxhill has operated as a visitor centre for almost 20 years. Redwings Mountains became part of the charity following a merger in 2015.
Temporary closure during consultation
During the consultation period, both Oxhill and Mountains have been temporarily closed to visitors out of respect for the staff involved.
The charity’s remaining visitor centres in Norfolk and Essex will continue to operate as usual.
If the proposals proceed, more than 100 rescued horses and donkeys may need to be relocated to Redwings’ Norfolk sites. This would include the resident Adoption Stars. Supporters who sponsor animals based at the affected centres will receive further information in due course.
Financial pressures cited
Redwings is one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities. It currently cares for more than 1,000 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys within its sanctuary sites, with a further 700 living in Guardian homes. The organisation began in Norfolk, where its head office and several sanctuary sites remain based.
Chief Executive Lynn Cutress said the charity has been drawing on financial reserves for four consecutive years in order to balance its budget.
She explained that while supporter generosity has remained strong, rising costs beyond the charity’s control mean it must now reduce operating expenditure to ensure long-term sustainability.
The two centres under consultation were selected due to their high running costs.
Cutress described the proposals as “incredibly sad and painful” but said they are necessary to safeguard the welfare and future of the more than 1,000 horses currently in the charity’s care, as well as neglected horses that may require support in the future.
Redwings has stated that further updates will be published on its website as the consultation progresses.
