Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in West Lancashire Faces Financial Peril

West Lancashire's Only Multi-Species Sanctuary Faces Severe Financial Crisis
Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, a vital haven for vulnerable animals since 2005, is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens its ability to continue its crucial work. Without urgent financial support, this essential facility may be forced to drastically reduce its operations, leaving countless animals in need without refuge.

As West Lancashire's sole multi-species sanctuary, Woodlands has been a lifeline for over 100 rescued animals at any given time. However, the sanctuary now finds itself in dire financial straits, with resources rapidly dwindling and only enough funds to cover about a month's worth of operating costs.

"We're facing a perfect storm of challenges," says Vickie Blackburn, volunteer at Woodlands Animal Sanctuary. "The daily cost of running our facility is £1,000, yet we receive about £4,000 in regular monthly donations. This leaves us with a staggering £26,000 funding gap to fill each month."
The sanctuary's plight is further exacerbated by recent trends:

A surge in animal ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, leading to increased animal abandonments and decreased donations
A decline in legacy donations due to rising social care costs
Changing adoption preferences, with younger generations often opting for trendy breeds over rescues
Despite these challenges, Woodlands continues to provide critical care. In recent months, the sanctuary has:
Experienced a record number of pregnant animal rescues and kitten births with over 86 new cats or kittens taken in or born.

Coordinated a nationwide rehoming effort for 32 goats from a closed sanctuary, taking 3 into Woodlands.
Continued to offer hope and new beginnings for numerous animals in need, with over 2,800 animals rescued, and over 2,900 rehomed since 2020.

The financial strain is particularly evident in cat rescues. "Rescuing a pregnant cat and her litter costs us an average of £1,600 in basic care, yet only brings in £380 in rehoming donations," explains Vickie. "While kittens find homes quickly, mother cats stay with us for an average of 210 days, further stretching our limited resources."

Woodlands Animal Sanctuary is making an urgent appeal to the public, businesses, and animal lovers everywhere. Your support is crucial in keeping this vital sanctuary operational and continuing its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome vulnerable animals.
To make a donation or learn more about how you can help, please visit www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk or contact [email protected]

Woodlands rescue animals throughout the Northwest and we would welcome the opportunity for you to meet our rescues, tell their stories, and discuss not only how we make a difference across the Northwest through our rescue efforts but also as an educator to prevent future animal neglect, and as a key support for those suffering from anxiety and mental health issues by supporting them through volunteering opportunities.