Woodlands Animal Sanctuary celebrates awards finalist hattrick

A registered charity in Ormskirk has been named an awards finalist for the third time this year.

Woodlands Animal Sanctuary is among the finalists in the BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards 2026 – having earned a place in the Animal Award category.

This latest accolade follows shortlistings at the 2026 Lancashire Business View Red Rose Awards and the forthcoming BIBAs. 

Lynn Jefferson, animal care manager, said: “We are delighted to be one of only four finalists in our category at the Make a Difference Awards.

“To have been selected from more than 1,000 nominations makes this recognition even more special. What means the most to us, however, is that so many of our wonderful volunteers supported our nomination by sharing their own reflections on the positive difference that caring for our animals and volunteering in our community hubs has made to their lives. Hearing how these experiences have helped improve their wellbeing, while giving them the confidence and skills to thrive, was incredibly moving.”

Founded in 2005, Woodlands Animal Sanctuary is west Lancashire’s only multispecies rescue centre. It specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of the county’s most vulnerable animals, while providing a safe, lifelong home for a variety of permanent residents. 

The charity also operates four community hubs in Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Southport and Chorley – selling preloved items to help fund the sanctuary’s daily running costs including veterinary care, food and shelter.

Pet food banks located at each hub provide vital support to owners facing financial hardship – helping to keep pets with their families and reducing the number of animals relinquished to rescues due to financial pressures. This provision reflects the charity’s commitment to the connection between animal and human welfare. 

Lynn said: “There are those who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves unable to care for their pets – leading to neglect or abandonment and others who find growth through rehabilitating rescues. 

“Our neutering and education programmes help people turn the desire to own a pet into responsible ownership – providing the knowledge and support needed to prevent unwanted litters and give animals the happy, healthy lives they deserve.”

More than 170 people volunteer at Woodlands alongside the dedicated staff – making a vital contribution to the daily care and wellbeing of the animals. This latest awards nomination celebrates the invaluable role they play in helping Woodlands provide safe, continuous care for animals who need it most. 

Lynn said: “While our focus remains on fulfilling our purpose, awards nominations like this provide a welcome boost to the team, who support animals affected by some of the most challenging and upsetting cases of neglect and abandonment in Lancashire."

The Make a Difference Awards ceremony will be held at Lancaster Town Hall on 12 September. 

BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast Presenter Graham Liver said: “I’m so proud that we can recognise brilliant Lancastrians who really care about our communities. Our finalists don’t do it for the recognition, but I'm delighted that we can say thank you to these unsung heroes.”

Lynn said: “We have felt very blessed this year to have reached the final stages of three separate awards and would like to extend our thanks to the judges and organisers for their time and votes.

“Growing our contribution to the third sector and business community in Lancashire has been one of our highlights of the past 12 months and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all our fellow nominees.”