Woodlands Animal Sanctuary marks 20 years with record growth and innovation

Ormskirk-based Woodlands Animal Sanctuary is celebrating 20 years of saving and improving lives across Lancashire. 

In the past 12 months, the charity has boosted rehoming capacity by cutting admin per cat from two hours to 20 minutes with AI-assisted profiles – shortening stays by nine days and saving £72 per rescue, with funds redirected to veterinary care.

Trustee Vickie Blackburn, who took on leadership of the Sanctuary following her mother’s tragic passing from cancer, said: “Our dedicated team have met the challenges of the Cost of Living Crisis head-on – building strong, sustainable and diversified income streams that enabled us to increase our rescue intake by 88 per cent.

"This growth demonstrates how a focused, data-driven approach can deliver real impact for both animals and the community – alongside our preventative work on neutering, as featured on BBC Breakfast.”

As West Lancashire’s only multispecies sanctuary, Woodlands rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes cats, horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, birds and more – providing specialist veterinary care, behavioural rehabilitation and time to recover. 

Its reach has expanded dramatically, with rescue postcodes showing 500% growth in cases from East Lancashire and Manchester. Despite this regional expansion, 94 per cent of cats still find local homes – demonstrating strong community integration.

Woodlands’ mission also strengthens the connection between animal and human welfare.

The charity delivers children’s education programmes; runs busy retail hubs and pet food banks in Skelmersdale and Chorley; and supports more than 170 volunteers who gain confidence, skills and a sense of purpose through hands-on rescue work.

Volunteer days now form the heart of Woodlands’ corporate partnership strategy. Companies can offer staff animal care experiences to reward teams, support wellbeing or build stronger, more motivated teams. 

Vickie said: “Customers, investors and partners are increasingly drawn to businesses that demonstrate genuine social responsibility.

“Our corporate sponsorship packages give organisations the chance to align with local initiatives that improve both animal and human lives.

"Team-building days and volunteering boost morale and job satisfaction, while sponsoring our events, animal pens or buildings can raise brand visibility to more than 25,000 people across Lancashire.

"In return for helping us to build sustainable income to meet our running costs of £1,000 per day, we provide clear evidence of our corporate partners’ social and economic impact, as well as publicly acknowledging their support.”

Woodlands is also tackling broader societal challenges. With recent analyses showing that several areas of Lancashire rank among the highest in the UK for stress-related concerns, the Sanctuary works with probation services and social prescribing referrals from health authorities – recognising the therapeutic benefits of animal care for people experiencing mental health challenges, isolation or difficulties reintegrating into society. 

Vickie added: “If improved mental health, connection, skills development and employability align with your company’s values, partnering with us is a powerful way to deliver on those objectives.

“With robust governance, strong financial sustainability and innovative, data-driven rescue work, there has never been a better time than our 20th anniversary to partner with Woodlands and make a tangible difference in the community.”

To find out more about corporate partnership opportunities, visit www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk